Relationship between meaningful work and job performance in nurses

Abstract Aims The present study was designed to determine the relationship between meaningful work and job performance, and the impact of meaningful work on nursing care quality. Background Meaningful work has been suggested as a significant factor affecting job performance, but the relationship has never been studied in nurses in China. Design A descriptive correlational study was designed to assess the level of meaningful work, tasks, and contextual performance as well as their relationships. Methods We used a stratified random‐sampling approach to enrol nurses from hospitals. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the relationship between meaningful work and their demographic data. Results There were significant, positive relationships between meaningful work and task performance and contextual performance. Education level, work unit, and employment type influenced meaningful work. The work motivation score of the nurses was lower than that of the other 2 dimensions, and a negative work motivation score negatively influenced job performance. Conclusion Improving meaningful work and providing more support and assistance could improve nurse performance, thereby improving the quality of nursing care.