Work engagement of older registered nurses: the impact of a caring-based intervention.

AIM The aim of this evaluation research was to measure the impact of a caring-based intervention on the level of work engagement in older nurses. BACKGROUND Every effort is needed to retain older nurses at the bedside by assisting them to revitalise the internal motivation and self- reward that brought them to nursing. METHOD A mixed method evaluation research approach using both qualitative and quantitative measurements was used to determine the impact of a caring-based programme on improving the work engagement scores of older Registered Nurses (RNs). RESULT The results of this study suggest that leadership strategies aimed at improving work engagement using caring theories have a significant positive impact. CONCLUSION The findings contribute to our understanding of how work engagement can be enhanced through building work environments where there is a sense of belonging and teamwork, where staff are allowed time to decompress as well as build positive work relationships. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nurse Leaders (NLs) bear a responsibility to partner with older Registered Nurses (RNs) to build engagement in their work life while enhancing the quality of care. Successful leaders will find ways to meet these unique challenges by creating a healthy work environment.