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

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.