Promoting a motivational workforce in nursing practice

Abstract

The motivation of nurses is a crucial contributing factor to effective health care organisations in South Africa. Major changes are taking place due to the transformation of health services and the migration of nurses in this field. Within this changing environment, nurses might find themselves unfamiliar with their surroundings. This could lead to a lack of involvement and a lack of motivation to participate in the delivery of quality health care. As it was unclear to the author as to what the opinions of nurses were regarding their role, and those of nurse managers in addressing nurses' motivational needs in the work situation, this study on motivation was conducted. This study aimed at highlighting the role of the nurse supervisor's and the nurse's role in establishing a motivated nursing corps. An explorative, descriptive, quantitative research project was embarked upon. A purposive, convenience and voluntary sample of 112 nurses attending a second year university course in Health Services Management, was selected to participate in this study. The findings indicate the motivational needs important to nurses. Guidelines were formulated according to which these motivational needs of nurses could be satisfied in future. The purpose of this article is to sensitise nurses and supervisors at all levels of the hierarchy to become more aware of their role in motivating themselves and others in their working environment. This abstract was translated into English by the publisher or author.