New research led by Professor Lena Wang has revealed what helps nurses stay committed to their profession during challenging times.
“Healthcare workers have a uniquely strong commitment to their profession,” Professor Wang explains. “For many, this commitment is what keeps them in such highly demanding roles.”
Professor Wang’s study explored how healthcare organisations can actively support and strengthen this professional commitment, particularly during periods of uncertainty.
The research team followed nurses working in public hospitals in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They identified key factors that influenced nurses’ professional commitment. The first was servant leadership, a leadership approach that prioritises the needs of others.
“Servant leadership positively influenced nurses' professional commitment during the peak of COVID, enabling them to sustain their engagement during the most challenging times.”
However, the research found that servant leadership alone was not enough.
“Nurses also needed to feel that their organisation had a strong safety culture that protected their health and wellbeing. This reduced safety concerns and allowed them to fully benefit from servant leadership and focus on their professional roles.”
“We also found that stronger professional commitment led to higher job satisfaction and enabled nurses to proactively provide better care for their patients.”
Professor Wang says the findings, part of a series of research projects on the healthcare workforce, will help healthcare organisations build and sustain professional commitment among nursing staff.
“Future research projects will explore the demands of the healthcare workforce, and how organisations can better support them for success through leadership and management initiatives.”
