The effect of illegitimate tasks on work withdrawal behavior of intensive care unit nurses: The chain mediating effect of perceived organizational support and thriving at work.

Background: Illegitimate tasks are common in nurses' daily work, and work withdrawal behavior is closely linked to burnout. However, no research has explored the mechanism through which illegitimate tasks influence ICU nurses' work withdrawal behavior.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of illegitimate tasks on ICU nurses' work withdrawal behavior, as well as the mediating roles of perceived organizational support and thriving at work.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 in Shaanxi Province, China, using convenience sampling to survey 378 ICU nurses on the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale, Nurses' Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Thriving at Work Scale, and Work Withdrawal Behavior Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0, and structural equation modeling was performed using AMOS 26.0.

Results: The mean scores for ICU nurses were as follows: illegitimate tasks (18.12 ± 6.63), perceived organizational support (46.21 ± 9.71), thriving at work (38.00 ± 6.19), and work withdrawal behavior (17.16 ± 6.71). Illegitimate tasks had a significant positive effect on work withdrawal behavior (r = 0.381, p < 0.01). Perceived organizational support and thriving at work independently mediated the relationship between illegitimate tasks and work withdrawal behavior, accounting for 31.69 % and 11.43 % of the total effect, respectively. Additionally, perceived organizational support and thriving at work served as chain mediators between illegitimate tasks and work withdrawal behavior, accounting for 17.92 % of the total effect.

Conclusion: Nurse managers should address the impact of illegitimate tasks on work withdrawal behavior and implement strategies to enhance ICU nurses' perceived organizational support and thriving at work, reducing work withdrawal behaviors.

Implications For Clinical Practice: This study suggests that illegitimate tasks increase ICU nurses' work withdrawal behaviors, while perceived organizational support and thriving at work can mitigate these behaviors. Nurses' managers should first define ICU nurses' responsibilities and minimize non-medical tasks. Next, support systems, including flexible scheduling, psychological counseling, and career planning training, should be implemented to reduce ICU nurses' work withdrawal behavior.