Factors related to motivation, organisational climate and work engagement within the practice environment of nurse practitioners in the Netherlands

Abstract

Aim

To explore motivation, organisational climate, work engagement and related factors within the practice environment of nurse practitioners.

Background

Motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement are important to motivate nurse practitioners and prevent early exit. However, little is known about related factors.

Design

A cross-sectional design using a digital survey with multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Data were collected from 1 November 2019 to 30 March 2020.

Methods

The survey contained demographic and job-related data, instruments on motivation in the workplace, organisational climate and work engagement. Three open-ended questions were added to invite respondents to tell about their next career step, (dis)satisfaction with salary and additional comments. Quantitative data were not normally distributed (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test). Kruskal Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Answers on the open-ended questions were coded and categorised in themes. The STROBE checklist was followed.

Results

In total 586 questionnaires were completed. The majority of the respondents were female (85%), and their mean age was 47 years (range 26–66 years). Aged 45 or over, more work experience, working in nursing homes, experiencing more autonomy, collaboration with other nurse practitioners, a firmly anchored position, satisfaction with salary and developmental opportunities contributed positively to the practice environment. Answers on the open-ended questions supported the quantitative results.

Conclusions

Work motivation, organisational climate and work engagement are positively related to a large variety of personal and work-related factors. Therefore, policymakers and professional organisations should be aware of the impact of these influencing factors to enhance an inspiring work environment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Awareness of factors that influence nurse practitioners' practice environment can be used as a tool to screen and improve the present work environment.