Relationship between nurse perceptions of head nurse trustworthiness and nurse trust behaviors

Background: Subordinate trust behavior is influenced by perception of supervisor trustworthiness. There has been little domestic research exploring factors associated with nurse manager trustworthiness. Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between nurse perceptions of head nurse trustworthiness and nurse trust behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional correlation design was used to survey the perceptions of nurses working in a medical center. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 487 valid questionnaires were collected. Results: (1) Nurse perceptions of head nurse trustworthiness and nurse trust behavior both scored above average (4.92 and 4.68, respectively); (2) Nurse perceptions of head nurse trustworthiness correlated positively with nurse trust behaviors, and head nurse integrity was the most significant correlation coefficient with nurse trust behaviors; (3) Nurse age and duration of work experience correlated positively with perception of head nurse trustworthiness and trust behavior scores. Clinical ladder level correlated positively with trust behavior scores, which were also higher among nurses who were married nurses and who had children. Age, duration of work experience, and clinical ladder level were found to be significant predictors of trust behavior in nurses. Conclusions / Implications for practice: Results demonstrate the significant influence of certain factors on nurse perceptions of head nurse trustworthiness and on nurse trust behavior. Such may be referenced by supervisors as a basis of adjusting administrative management approaches.