Learning and development: promoting nurses' performance and work attitudes.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Limited research exists on the impact of learning and development on nurses' work attitudes and performance.
• Previous studies primarily focused on skill acquisition, neglecting broader outcomes and mediating factors.
• Cognitive and motivational factors are hypothesized as key mechanisms linking development activities to improved work outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between coaching and clinical practice development and nurses' workplace attitudes and self-reported performance.
• To investigate the mediating roles of role breadth self-efficacy and flexible role orientation in these relationships.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 404 qualified nurses was conducted in a large Australian metropolitan public hospital.
• Validated measures were used to assess workplace attitudes, performance, self-efficacy, and role orientation.
• Descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• A significant association was found between learning and development activities and improved work attitudes and performance.
• Developing clinical practice positively impacted self-rated performance, while coaching enhanced work attitudes.
• Role breadth self-efficacy and flexible role orientation were identified as significant mediators.

Conclusions:

• Investing in nurses' learning and development is crucial for enhancing individual and organizational outcomes.
• Coaching and clinical practice development positively influence nurse performance and attitudes.
• The findings underscore the importance of fostering self-efficacy and flexible roles in the nursing workforce.