Self-transcendence and Work Engagement in Acute Care Staff Registered Nurses

Abstract

The ability of human beings to find meaning by being directed toward something, or someone, other than themselves is termed "self-transcendence." Previous research indicated that the ability of nurses to self-transcend and thus derive positive meaning from patient-caring experiences increased work commitment and fostered work engagement. However, the relationship between self-transcendence and work engagement had not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the levels and relationships of self-transcendence and work engagement in acute care staff registered nurses (ACSRNs). This was a descriptive correlational study using Reed's theory of self-transcendence. The Self-transcendence Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were completed by a convenience sample of 84 ACSRNs who attended an annual acute care nursing conference in northern Illinois. ACSRNs level of self-transcendence was high, similar to that of other nurses, but higher than that of nonnurses. ACSRNs level of work engagement was at the high end of the "average" range. There was a significant positive correlation between self-transcendence and work engagement. Nurses with higher levels of self-transcendence had more energy toward and were more dedicated and absorbed in their work.

Work engagement in professional nursing practice: A systematic review

“…Age was the most commonly examined demographic factor (n=8 studies) with equivocal results (Cadiz, 2010;Giallonardo et al, 2010;Laschinger et al, 2012;Palmer et al, 2010;Rivera et al, 2011;Sullivan Havens et al, 2013;Walker & Campbell, 2013). Three studies reported a positive relationship between years of nursing experience and work Page 23 of 72 A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 23 engagement (Bamford et al, 2013;Palmer et al, 2010;Rivera et al, 2011) and one study reported no statistical significance .…”

Work Engagement, Moral Distress, Education Level, and Critical Reflective Practice in Intensive Care Nurses

“…There is limited nursing work engagement literature available (Palmer, 2008;Simpson, 2009 frequency level of the 'not in the patient's best interest' subscale. In reference to this subscale, there was one known previously published research finding.…”

“…The proposed relationships between current and additional study variables will be examined. According to Palmer (2008), for example, Self-Transcendence demonstrated a significant positive relationship with work engagement. This variable, in addition to nurses' age and years of experience, may be examined to refine the theoretical model 159 presented in this dissertation.…”

Análisis del concepto de Autotrascendencia. Importancia en el cuidado de enfermería al adulto mayor

“…Hay estudios que revelan que hay una relación entre el nivel de auotrascendencia y el compromiso de la enfermera, manifestándose como una correlación positiva y significativa, entre ambos aspectos. Las enfermeras con un nivel mayor de auotrascendencia desarrollan y muestran mayores niveles de energía y son más absortas en su trabajo (Palmer, Quinn Griffin, Reed, & Fitzpatrick, 2010).…”

“…(Reed, 1992;Reed, 2003). Se ha usado en estudios con adultos mayores deprimidos en edad avanzada, así como la relación entre autotrascendencia y actividades de la vida diaria en personas en sus propios hogares (Hoshi, 2008;Palmer et al, 2010). En otros estudios como en pacientes con VIH o SIDA, demostrando relación positiva entre bienestar y autotrascendencia (McCormick, Holder, Wetsel, & Cawthon, 2001;Mellors, Erlen, Coontz, & Lucke, 2001).…”