The relationship between professional values and perceived safety climate in pediatric nurses: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract

Abstract Background Professional values and safety climate are critical components of nursing practice that influence patient outcomes and workplace efficiency. In pediatric settings, where patient vulnerability and ethical demands are elevated, understanding the interplay between these concepts is essential. This study aimed to examine the relationship between professional values and the safety climate among pediatric nurses in two referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Methods A descriptive-correlational cross-sectional design was employed. The study sample included 201 nurses selected through random sampling from Bahrami Hospital and the Children’s Medical Center. Data were collected using three instruments: a demographic information form, the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R), and the Nurses’ Safety Climate Assessment Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Given the multiple correlation analyses conducted, the Bonferroni correction was applied. Accordingly, the significance threshold for Pearson’s correlation coefficients was adjusted to 0.001. For all other statistical tests, a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean total score of professional values was 106.20 (SD = 15.81) and the mean perceived safety climate score was 2.92 (SD = 0.80), indicating a high level of professional values and a moderate perception of safety climate. A significant positive correlation was found between professional values and safety climate (r = 0.235, P < 0.001). Among the dimensions of professional values, Caring (r = 0.274, P < 0.001) showed the strongest association with the safety climate. Multiple linear regression showed that the dimensions of professional values explained 10.5% of the variance in safety climate (R²=0.105, P < 0.001). Among them, only Caring was a significant positive predictor (β = 0.286, P = 0.011). Conclusion Professional values, especially Caring, play a significant role in shaping nurses’ perceptions of the safety climate. Strengthening professional values through educational and organizational interventions may enhance safety culture and patient care quality. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Keywords

• Professional values
• Safety climate
• Pediatric nurses
• Iran