The motivational profile of health care workers: a study among newly graduated nurses.

Now as well as in the future, there is a need for appropriately educated and motivated nurses entering and staying in the profession. With the intention to identify what practising nurses are looking for in both their specific job and in their career in general, graduate Belgian nurses (N=344) were questioned about their job motives (Buchanan & Huczynski, 1997; Miskel, 1982) and work values (e.g. Brief, Atieh & Doherty, 1988; Ros, Schwartz, Surkiss, 1999; Super, 1970). Additionally the motives and values of male and female nurses were contrasted, aiming to explore the relationship between gender and these values and motives. Results indicate that almost all graduates are employed as a nurse. In their specific job, nurses are mainly motivated by the opportunity to help other people and the profound and pleasant relationship they build up with these people and their entourage. When considering the general features of work, findings indicate that receiving recognition, being in a secure situation and being able to contribute to society by helping others, are the pivotal work values. Gender differences are only found for the work values. As expected from the existing literature, results indicate that men are significantly more attracted by career opportunities and executive powers as well by autonomy. Women tend to attach more importance to interpersonal characteristics as was hypothesized on the basis of earlier research.