The mediating role of nurses’ prosocial voice in the relationship between safety training and safety behaviors: implications for practice and education

Purpose This study investigates how safety training influences nurses’ prosocial voice and safety behaviors, specifically examining the mediating role of prosocial voice behavior in the relationship between safety training and three major safety behaviors (safety compliance, safety participation and risky behaviors). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative and a cross-sectional study used snowballing to collect the sample of medical and surgical nurses in Saudi Arabia through online survey. Accordingly, 391 nurses completed the self-reported online survey successfully. Adapting scales were analyzed by SPSS 25 and Hayes Process Macro to examine the research questions. Findings Safety training influences nurses’ prosocial behavior positively and, thereby, their safety behaviors. It was found that safety compliance and participation were influenced by safety training through prosocial behavior, but no mediation effect was found for risky behaviors. These results were supported by statistically significant indirect effects (safety compliance: 95% CI [0.05, 0.13], p < 0.001; safety participation: 95% CI [0.10, 0.22], p < 0.001). Originality/value This study contributes novel insights into the mechanisms through which safety training affects nurses’ safety behaviors, highlighting the critical role of prosocial voice. By integrating Social Exchange Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the study provides a theoretical basis for how organizational support through training can empower nurses to speak up and engage in safety-enhancing actions. Safety training provides nurses with the necessary competencies and thereby raises their voice regarding safety issues. This research adds to the body of literature by providing a deeper understanding of how safety training influences safety behaviors via prosocial voice. The findings provide valuable implications for developing safety training programs that promote the value of encouraging nurses to voice safety concerns, ultimately enhancing workplace safety. Practical and educational implications are outlined for healthcare leaders and educators.