Motivational strategies for intensive care nurses

Motivation plays an important part in people's lives--at work and at play. A motivated individual displays energy, enthusiasm and determination. The frustration that is experienced in a demotivating climate can have implications for an individual's mental health and physical well-being. It is suggested that this state of affairs must surely not be allowed to exist - for the sake of the nurses, clients and organisations. Using a broad review of the motivational theories, this paper draws on resultant common themes. From this, a framework is proposed on which are based suggestions that can be used by critical care nurses to facilitate nurse motivation, with all the concomitant effects this may have.