Table 2 Tested outcome variables and instruments used with headlines reflecting program logic assumption (Fig. 1)

 Thriving

^aThriving scale [29]

The 11-item thriving scale measures two factors (vitality and learning) including five items each and a total scale. The scale has seven response options, where higher scores indicate greater levels of workplace thriving.

 Self-efficacy

^aNursing Self-Efficacy Scale (NSE) [30]

A single item asking how prepared they were to cope with work as a nurse [31]

9-item scale with 11 response options, where 11 represents the most positive perception of nursing self-efficacy.

This question had the same response categories as the NSE.

 Psychological empowerment

^aSpreitzer’s empowerment scale [32]

12-item scale, measuring four factors (meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact), and total scale. Seven response options, where higher scores the more positive perceptions of psychological empowerment.

 Well-being

^aWHO-5 Well Being Index (WHO-5) [33].

5-item scale with 6 response options where a score under 52 indicates poor well-being.

 Job demands

^aSpecific job demands within the health care sector scale (SJDH – scale) [34].

The 15-item scale measuring four factors; pain and death; professional worries; patient and relative needs; threats and violence. Four response options, where higher scores indicate that they encountered various work-related elements to a higher extent.

 Stress symptoms

^aPsychosomatic health aspects scale [35].

11-item scale with 5 response options, where higher scores indicate a more desirable state.

 Satisfaction with provided care

^aThe Nurse-specific Satisfaction with Care (NSC) [36].

9-item scale ranked with 7 response options, where higher scores indicate a higher level of satisfaction.

 Job satisfaction

^athe Job Satisfaction Questionnaire [37].

The 20-item scale measuring five factors (competence, emotion, autonomy, initiative, relation). Four response options, where high scores indicate high levels of job satisfaction.

^aThe Brief Index of Affective Job Satisfaction (BIAJS) [38].

7-item scale with 5 response options scale, where higher score, indicates a higher level of satisfaction.