The Relationship between Work Motivation and Workplace Supports in the Workplace for Nursing Assistants Working on General Wards in Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between work motivation and social support in the workplace for nursing assistants working on general wards in hospitals.

Method: Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 409 nursing assistants. The questionnaire consisted of personal background information, the multifaceted work motivation scale, and the workplace social support scale. Data were analyzed by the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS ver.27 for Windows.

Results: A total of 325 valid responses were received from the nursing assistants (valid response rate = 79.5%). Competition motivation was found to be affected by nurses' informational support (β = .329, p < .001) and nursing assistants' informational support (β = -.176, p = .005). Cooperation motivation was found to be affected by nurses' appraisal support (β = .180, p = .021) and, nurses' emotional support (β = .203, p = .006) and nursing assistants' appraisal support (β = .155, p = .016). Learning-oriented motivation was found to be affected by nurses' informational support (β = .353, p < .001). Accomplishment motivation was found to be affected by nurses' appraisal support (β = .245, p = .001).

Conclusion: The work motivation of nursing assistants working on general wards in hospitals was influenced by positive evaluations and information from nurses or other nursing assistants and, empathy by nurses. These results suggest that in order for nursing assistants to work enthusiastically, nursing management that is aware of these workplace supports is necessary.