The Structure of Motivation for Growth of Clinical Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the structure of motivation for growth of clinical nurses.

Method: Thirteen nurses with more than three years of clinical experience were interviewed using a semi-structured interview.

Results: Eight categories were extracted. Laying a “foundation for working as a nurse” facilitated nurses to “tackle nursing work”, and developing “awareness of immaturity as a professional” while working helped nurses to make an “effort to overcome immaturity”. As nurses developed relationships with others, they gradually strengthened their “interest in what I should be through relationships with others”, and they “reflected on themselves with consideration for others”. “Pride in nursing and a desire to contribute” was cultivated with accumulation of experience, leading to “fusion of autonomy and cooperation at work”.

Conclusion: These results suggest that motivation for growth of clinical nurses requires establishment of both cooperative and autonomous behaviors by maintaining a balance of thoughts for others and the inner self, with the aim of becoming a fully-fledged professional.