Title: Factors related to work engagement of nurses working in acute care hospitals
Abstract:
Nurses working in acute care hospitals may be burdened by demanding work and interpersonal relationships, resulting in lower work engagement. This study aims to identify factors related to work engagement (positive and fulfilled psychological states toward work) of nurses working in acute-care hospitals in Japan. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,014 nurses working in two participating acute-care hospitals in the Kanto region of Japan. Survey items include questions from a Japanese short version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), individual factors, workplace environmental factors, and a scale for leadership behaviors of nurse managers. Of the 1014 individuals to whom questionnaires were distributed, 562 (55.4%) responded. Of these 562, 423 had no deficits or duplicates in the Japanese version of the UWES and the Leadership Behavior Scale for Nursing Managers, but one assistant nurse and two persons with undescribed practice positions were included who were not eligible, leaving 420 (41.4%) for analysis. Multiple regression analysis showed that work engagement was higher among nurses who had higher motivation to learn(β = .310, p < .00) who felt more accomplished at work(β = .284, p < .00) who wished to continue working at the current workplace (β = .206, p < .00) and who had persons to consult about work problems(β = .121, p < .001). The findings suggest that nursing managers need to develop and provide concrete measures to improve the work engagement of nurses working in acute-care hospitals. The measures include creating an environment for continued learning, such as providing training both inside and outside the hospital, and creating a workplace environment that leads to job satisfaction and willingness to continue working.
Audience Take Away:
- This study provides insight into factors related to work engagement among nurses working in acutecare hospitals in Japan.
- Can examine measures to improve work engagement of nurses working in acute care hospitals in Japan.
