Table 2 Categories, themes, and subthemes regarding to nurses’ attitudes, practices, and barriers and facilitators toward sustainability behaviors

Attitudes

Perceptions of sustainability in nursing

Conceptual understanding

Nurses viewed sustainability as ethical and responsible resource use, linked to waste reduction and conservation.

Personal relevance

Sustainability aligns with nurses’ values, though some considered it secondary to patient care.

Responsibility toward sustainability

Ethical obligation

Nurses felt an ethical duty to advocate for sustainability as part of professional responsibility.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Collaboration with other professionals was emphasized to achieve sustainability goals.

Practices

Current sustainability behaviors

Waste management

Efforts included segregating waste and minimizing single-use items despite inconsistent policies.

Energy and resource conservation

Participants reported turning off unused equipment and conserving water as key practices.

Gaps in sustainability practices

Limited knowledge and training

Nurses lacked formal training on sustainability, often relying on media or personal judgment.

Priority on patient care

Sustainability practices were deprioritized in high-pressure situations focused on patient needs.

Barriers and facilitators

Barriers to sustainability

Organizational challenges

Lack of institutional policies, poor infrastructure, and inadequate support were significant barriers.

Competing priorities

Time constraints and staff shortages limited nurses’ ability to engage in sustainable behaviors.

Lack of motivation

Perceived lack of recognition or incentives for sustainability discouraged participation.

Facilitators of sustainability

Leadership support

Visible leadership commitment and endorsement motivated sustainable practices.

Education and training

Targeted training or workshops improved nurses’ confidence in implementing sustainability practices.