Finding joy in acute and critical care nurses' workplace : An explorative study employing Frederickson's Broaden-and-Build theory
Title
Finding joy in acute and critical care nurses' workplace : An explorative study employing Frederickson's Broaden-and-Build theory
Creator
Bay, Linda M.
Description
Bay, Linda M.
This project explores how members of an acute and critical care nurse’s organization in a Midwest metropolitan area define joy and identify barriers and enhancers to finding joy in the workplace. Using Barbara Frederickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory, this mixed method approach aims to determine “What factors affect the ability of hospital acute and critical care registered nurses to experience joy in work?” Through use of a focus group (n=7) and survey (n=62), questions asked of the groups determined a definition of joy, specific enhancers and hindrances to joy at work, and what future actions can be incorporated into the work environment to foster “joy in work” initiatives. Through co-creation with the focus group a concept map of responses was created. Themes emerging from the focus group were the importance of sharing stories of nurses, positive relationships, and the role of managers to promoting joy at work. Answers from the focus group were used as survey responses to the larger group of nurses. Using Chi-Squared Test of Independence to examine relationships between the demographic variables and other variables in the survey, significance (p<.05) was found for: recognition from the manager, relationships with coworkers and patients, and building of institutional cultures that recognize the importance of nurses’ work. Findings in this study can be used to support efforts to promote joy in the workplace initiatives. Recommendations were made to conduct future studies using a larger more diverse sample of nurses to further explore ways to facilitate joy in work efforts for health care professionals.
This project explores how members of an acute and critical care nurse’s organization in a Midwest metropolitan area define joy and identify barriers and enhancers to finding joy in the workplace. Using Barbara Frederickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory, this mixed method approach aims to determine “What factors affect the ability of hospital acute and critical care registered nurses to experience joy in work?” Through use of a focus group (n=7) and survey (n=62), questions asked of the groups determined a definition of joy, specific enhancers and hindrances to joy at work, and what future actions can be incorporated into the work environment to foster “joy in work” initiatives. Through co-creation with the focus group a concept map of responses was created. Themes emerging from the focus group were the importance of sharing stories of nurses, positive relationships, and the role of managers to promoting joy at work. Answers from the focus group were used as survey responses to the larger group of nurses. Using Chi-Squared Test of Independence to examine relationships between the demographic variables and other variables in the survey, significance (p<.05) was found for: recognition from the manager, relationships with coworkers and patients, and building of institutional cultures that recognize the importance of nurses’ work. Findings in this study can be used to support efforts to promote joy in the workplace initiatives. Recommendations were made to conduct future studies using a larger more diverse sample of nurses to further explore ways to facilitate joy in work efforts for health care professionals.
Date
2018
Publisher
Alverno College
Extent
150 pages
Language
English
Format
PDF
Type
Text
DNP Project
Subject
Intensive care nursing
Job stress--Prevention
Work environment
Job satisfaction
Rights
These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.
Collection
Citation
Bay, Linda M., “Finding joy in acute and critical care nurses' workplace : An explorative study employing Frederickson's Broaden-and-Build theory,” Alverno College Library Digital Commons, accessed June 14, 2026, https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/223.