Integrative Review of the Impact of Coworker Support on Nurses’ Job Motivation: Associations with Job Satisfaction, Stress, and Intention to Stay

Abstract

Background. Staff shortages in healthcare, especially nurses, are a worldwide problem with negative effects for both nurses and patients. Supporting nurses is important for job motivation and to strengthen connectedness and intention to stay. Extensive research has been performed in the past on managerial support, but this is not the case for coworker support for nurses. Therefore, it is important to gain knowledge about areas of focus of coworker support impacting nurses’ motivation to prevent the loss of motivation and turnover. Aim. To provide an overview of the current insights regarding coworker support’s impact on nurses’ motivation. Evaluation. A review was conducted using three computerized databases, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A total of 15 studies matched the inclusion criteria (association between nurses’ motivation and perceived coworker support and participants fulfilling the role of nurse). Coworker support was one of the main focuses of the included papers. Review Methods. Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) method of the integrative literature review was used, together with the critical appraisal tool by Hawker et al. (2002) to guide the methodological rigor appraisal of the included research studies. Result. Three main themes regarding associations related to the effect of perceived coworker support on nurses were identified, namely, job satisfaction, intention to stay, and stress. Conclusions. This review shows multiple areas of focus where coworker support is important for the perceived support of nurses, with emphasis on job satisfaction, intention to stay, and stress. Support foresees job satisfaction. With the intention to stay, the effect of experienced support is especially seen among the newly qualified nurses, where lack of support increases the likelihood of leaving their jobs prematurely. Experienced support from coworkers also has a stress‐reducing effect. Implications for Nursing Forum. Support from coworkers is essential for nurses, as it has a positive effect on work satisfaction, intention to stay, and stress reduction. It is important to create a work environment that offers room for coworker support.