A new study says that physical work environments affect registered nurses (RNs) and their ability to complete tasks, communicate and do their jobs efficiently, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website. 

The study, published in Research in Nursing & Health, found RNs who gave their physical work environments (architecture, ambience and design features, including ventilation, lighting, crowdedness and anesthetic appearance) higher ratings were more likely to report better workgroup cohesion and variety in their jobs.

"When investing in facilities' construction or remodeling, healthcare leaders should look at features that enhance workgroup cohesion, nurse-physician relations, and other factors that affect job satisfaction. Those investments will pay off in the long run," lead researcher Maja Djukic, Ph.D, an assistant professor at the College of Nursing at New York University, said in the article.

Read the article.