The Identification of Motivational Factors That Influences Nurses Output in Hospitals in the Fako Division, Cameroon

Abstract

The importance of motivation in the day-to-day performance of nurses’ cannot be over emphasized; it is a well-known fact that human output of any sort is improved by increase in motivation. To identify motivational factors that influences nurses output in health institutions in Fako Division. We used a descriptive survey in health institutions in Fako Division from Oct 2014 - May, 2015. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 3.1, and SPSS version 21.0. The level of statistical significance was set at a P value < 0.05 at a 95% Confidence Level. We included 185 participants of which 151(81.6%) were female participants. The most involved were nurse assistant (32.4%) and most nurses had 5 years experience and more 72(38.9%). It was seen that recognition of work done is ranked the first of the motivated intrinsic factors with (91.4%) while for extrinsic motivation, majority of the nurses agreed that increase in salary and bonus is the most motivating factor with (84.9%). Finally, it was shown that nurses’ valued intrinsic motivation (82.8%) more than extrinsic motivation (59.4%). Nurses choose the profession out of passion. The two factors of motivation have an influence on nurses’ output; intrinsic motivation is seen as the dominant and most requested motivated factor by nurses with more emphasis on recognition and promotion. Followed by extrinsic motivation with the most emphasis placed on salaries and bonuses, there is a statistical difference as nurses in the private hospitals desired extrinsic motivation more. We recommended that nurses should enter this profession for passion and the health administration should promote intrinsic motivation more as compared to extrinsic motivation.