Inductions buffer nurses’ job stress, health and organizational commitment

Abstract

Nurses suffer disproportionate levels of stress and are at risk of sickness-absence and turnover intentions but there is a lack of research clarifying preventions. This study investigated the impact of inductions (job preparation courses) about mental health for nurses’ job stress, general health and organizational commitment. Data from 6,656 nurses were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), showing that mental health inductions increase nurses’ job satisfaction, which reduces their occupational stress and improves their health. SEM showed that these occupational health benefits increase the nurses’ commitment to the organization. Job satisfaction (feeling valued, rewarded) also had a direct effect on nurses’ intentions to continue working for the organization. Mental health inductions are therefore beneficial beyond job performance: they increase occupational health in the nursing profession.