Examining the antecedents of engaged nurses in Italy: Perceived Organisational Support (POS); satisfaction with training and development; discretionary power

This paper used Social Exchange Theory to empirically examine whether perceived organisational support, satisfaction with training and development and perception of discretionary power are antecedents of engagement for registered nurses working in Italian public and private hospitals (n = 827). Background According to Social Exchange Theory, effective workplace relationships support employees and encourage nurses to use training to enhance their workplace outcomes. Method This research used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from registered nurses working in six Italian hospitals using a survey-based, self-report strategy. Result Regression analysis found that the variance of process-oriented supervision accounted for 6.9% of Italian registered nurse's perception of engagement, training and development accounted for 26.8% and discretionary power accounted for 2.1%. Conclusion Workplace relationships enhance autonomy and engagement. Effective workplace relationship impacts positively on nurses' outcome. Implications for nursing management This paper confirms the relevance of training to enhance engagement of nurses. It also confirms the importance of workplace relationships in enhancing autonomy and engagement. Previous research has identified the importance of nurses' autonomy in an environment where there are shortages of nurses. This study confirms a similar situation for Italian nurses. The findings underline the relevance of investments in continuous professional development to enhance nurses' engagement in private and public health-care settings.