Examining the status quo and related factors of clinical nurses’ spare-time planning

Background Nursing is an important part of healthcare. This study aimed to investigate the current situation of clinical nurses’ spare-time planning and analyse factors associated with this aspect to provide a reference for improving their leisure-time planning ability. Methods The study was conducted from May to July 2024, with 827 clinical nurses from four tertiary hospitals in Gansu province, Participants were recruited using convenience sampling method. The Leisure Crafting Scale, Chinese Nurses Stressor Scale, and the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire were employed in the analysis. Results The average score of spare time planning was (26.84 ± 7.80). Linear regression analysis showed that childbearing status, frequency of weekly sports participation, positive psychological capital, and occupational stress were factors associated with clinical nurses’ spare time planning ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings revealed that nurses’ ability to plan their spare time was moderate and needs to be further improved. Nursing managers should rationally arrange nurses’ human resources, guide department members to actively participate in spare-time activities, build harmonious interpersonal relationships, and improve nurses’ spare-time planning.