Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Nursing

Supervisor

Dr. Heather K. Laschinger

Abstract

Burnout among new graduate nurses [NGNs] is a risk to workplace retention and commitment to the nursing profession. With threats of nursing shortages, safeguarding and supporting NGN to maintain workplace allegiance and professional commitment is paramount. Research has highlighted the harmful effects of uncivil working environments and the deleterious effects it can have on working relationships. In this secondary analysis, Kanter’s (1977) theory of structural empowerment was tested using a predictive, non-experimental design in a sample of NGN working in acute care hospitals in Ontario. Two hypothesized models predicted that high levels of structural empowerment and low levels of coworker incivility are associated with low levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism among NGN. Both workplace empowerment and incivility were significant strong predictors of lower levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. The overall findings suggest the combination of empowering workplaces and fewer incidences of incivility from co-workers influence NGN experiences of burnout.

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