Mattering: How Organizations, Patients, and Peers Can Affect Nurse Burnout and Engagement

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore professional mattering in a broad cohort of nurses. BACKGROUND Mattering is a construct from social psychology that describes the feeling that one makes a difference in the lives of others and has significance in one's community. METHODS A cross-sectional survey assessing mattering, meaning, social support, burnout, and engagement was administered to nurses and nurse practitioners working in various specialties in the United States. RESULTS Higher levels of mattering at work were associated with lower burnout and higher engagement. Mattering was correlated with perceived social support from one's organization, supervisor, peers, and subordinates. Open-ended responses describing experiences of mattering at work included demonstrating professional competence, positive interactions with patients and interprofessional peers, and receiving recognition from one's organization. CONCLUSIONS A perception of mattering at work is associated with lower levels of burnout. Our data suggest that affirming interactions with other healthcare team members promote a sense of mattering.

Moral Distress, Mattering, and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Provider Burnout: A Call for Moral Community

“…When assurances are absent, we are vulnerable to feelings of isolation, devaluation, and disengagement. 12,16 Haizlip et al 18 postulated that a sense of mattering may buffer the daily stressors of health care providers and potentially diminish the incidence of burnout; their data support that hypothesis. In survey data from more than 500 nurses, physicians, social workers, and therapists, a significant negative correlation was demonstrated between mattering and burnout (r = −0.51; P < .01).…”

“…15,16 Social psychologists have demonstrated positive relationships between mattering and psychological well-being; there are negative ramifications when people feel they do not matter. 12,16 Investigators 13,[17][18][19] have begun to explore the importance of mattering at work. Given that making a difference in the lives of others is integral to the professional identities of health care providers, a sense of professional mattering may be of particular significance.…”

“…However, in a recent study, Haizlip et al 18 demonstrated that many health care providers require external validation. 18 Such validation can come from casual expressions of gratitude, recognition of professional excellence by peers or the organization, or an act that demonstrates that others care. 18 Simple things are often the most influential in conferring mattering.…”

“…18 Such validation can come from casual expressions of gratitude, recognition of professional excellence by peers or the organization, or an act that demonstrates that others care. 18 Simple things are often the most influential in conferring mattering. When assurances are absent, we are vulnerable to feelings of isolation, devaluation, and disengagement.…”

Aging and Feeling Valued Versus Expendable During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: a Review and Commentary of Why Mattering Is Fundamental to the Health and Well-Being of Older Adults

“…The importance of mattering versus not mattering extends to healthcare workers. Although some retired healthcare workers experience a sense of mattering when called back into service, one recent study found that nurses with lower levels of work mattering reported more burnout and less engagement (Haizlip et al 2020). In contrast, workers thrive and flourish when they are valued and they know they matter.…”