Personal and Job-Related Factors Influencing the Work Engagement of Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study explored the levels of work engagement and identified whether personal and job-related factors influenced the work engagement dimensions of vigor, dedication, and absorption of nurses working in a Saudi hospital. A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational survey of nurses in inpatient wards (general medical, surgical, and specialized wards) and critical care units in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia, using The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Using a self-report questionnaire, 426 staff nurses and 34 first-line nurse managers were surveyed. Data collected consisted of selected personal and professional factors, including gender, age, education, current work setting, years of experience, nationality, and participation in committees, and/or work teams alongside the 17-item version of the UWES. The study participants showed high levels of work engagement. Age, years of experience, and participation in committees were significantly associated with work engagement. Nurses who were older, possessed more experience, and participated in committees showed higher levels of engagement. Healthcare organizations and their leaders, policymakers, and strategic planners should create a conducive work environment that supports the work engagement of nurses by considering the influencing antecedents. The nursing profession, patients’ safety issues, and vital economic problems are the fundamental issues facilitated by the creation of practice environments that entirely engage nurses in their work.