The effect of nurses’ organizational learning level on perceived career opportunity: the parallel mediating role of colleague support and psychological comfort perception

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effect of nurses’ organizational learning levels on perceived career opportunities, while exploring the parallel mediating roles of colleague support and psychological comfort perception. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 462 nurses working in public hospitals in Nevsehir, Turkey. Data were collected using validated measurement scales and analyzed using SPSS, AMOS and PROCESS Macro (Model 4) for mediation analysis. Findings – The results revealed that organizational learning positively and significantly predicted perceived career opportunity. Colleague support and psychological comfort each served as significant mediators in this relationship. Specifically, organizational learning enhanced colleague support (ß = 0.623) and psychological comfort (ß = 0.282), both of which positively influenced perceived career opportunity (ß = 0.303 and β = 0.345, respectively). The parallel mediation analysis confirmed that both variables had significant indirect effects, with a total indirect effect of β = 0.272. These findings underscore the need for health organizations to foster learning-oriented cultures and psychologically supportive environments. Strengthening organizational learning and peer support mechanisms can improve nurses’ perceptions of career growth and enhance workforce retention. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by integrating organizational learning theory with social cognitive career theory, offering empirical evidence for the dual mediating roles of psychological comfort and colleague support in healthcare career development. © 2026, Emerald Publishing Limited