What Motivates Nurses?
We have a theory that we’d like to test.

We recently read an article about motivating workers during tough times. The article reasoned that nurses are likely to be intrinsically motivated. One of the employers encouraged their managers to provide four key intrinsic rewards:

• A sense of purpose - i.e., articulate an important vision
• A sense of choice - i.e., empower people
• A sense of competence - i.e., give feedback, share information and give positive recognition

A sense of progress - i.e., celebrate success and post performance results

Despite the research we wanted to test these assumptions by asking nurses who are fans in the AMRI Facebook community about what motivates them in the workplace.

So In April, we posted a simple question on our Facebook page: “Nurses: What motivates you?”

All the responses can be summarized under two themes:

• Desire to help others
• Financial freedom/A desire to retire securely

Desire to Help Others

What motivates you?

Many nurses are drawn to the profession because of a sincere desire to help others. These professionals can get a renewed sense of job satisfaction very day as they continue to provide caring and compassionate service to the patients to whom they are assigned.

Financial Freedom/A Desire to Retire Securely

What motivates you?

The nursing profession offers flexible hours that many find beneficial when juggling work and parenting roles. This profession also offers an income that enables workers to set aside a little money as they work toward having a financially comfortable life.

Let’s face it; a job is a job. Most people look forward to the day when they can set work aside and live out their golden years in leisure. Many hospitals and surgical centers offer attractive retirement benefits as well as the ability to receive matching funds by investing in a 401(k) or a 403(b).

What about You? What Motivates You as a Nurse?

There are a number of different factors that can motivate people within the nursing profession.  We would like to hear from you and hear your story. What motivates you? Do you agree with the article? Let us know!