Environmental sustainability profile of intensive care nurses in Türkiye: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Intensive care units contribute significantly to healthcare's environmental footprint. While nurses are pivotal in implementing sustainable practices, limited evidence exists regarding their environmental sustainability profile in intensive care settings. Aim To assess the environmental sustainability profile of intensive care nurses in Türkiye and identify factors associated with sustainable practices. Study Design This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted with intensive care nurses across Türkiye between November 2025 and January 2026. Data were collected via an online survey comprising a sociodemographic questionnaire and a 31‐item author‐developed Environmental Sustainability Profile Survey (five content areas; Cronbach's α = 0.926). Data were analysed using Spearman's rank correlation for bivariate associations, the Mann–Whitney U test for two‐group comparisons and the Kruskal–Wallis H test (with Bonferroni‐adjusted post hoc comparisons) for comparisons across three or more groups. Results The mean environmental sustainability score was 125.32 ± 16.59 (mean item score = 4.04 on a 5‐point Likert‐type scale), indicating a high sustainability profile based on the interpretive framework adopted for this study. While 80.2% acknowledged responsibility for environmental impact, 63.5% were uncertain about their knowledge to guide sustainable practice, and 84% lacked formal training. Only 6.2% had heard of ‘green ICU’ concepts. Significantly higher scores were observed among female nurses, postgraduate‐trained nurses, hospital employees, neonatal ICU nurses, day shift workers, disaster‐region workers and those with prior sustainability training. Conclusions Turkish ICU nurses demonstrate a high environmental sustainability profile but substantial knowledge gaps. Structured education programmes, institutional support and context‐specific interventions are urgently needed. Relevance to Clinical Practice Developing structured sustainability education programmes, integrating environmental competencies into ICU training curricula and strengthening institutional support mechanisms may enhance environmentally responsible practice without compromising patient care.