Aims
To reveal factors associated with nurses’ professional commitment during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Background
During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Nursing‐Division at the Israeli Ministry of Health and partners conducted a study to examine nurses’ perceptions towards a set of personal and professional circumstances that may affect their performance.
Method
A cross‐sectional, web‐based study, conducted in Israel. Study’ participants included 817 community and hospital nurses. The Occupational Commitment Scale for Health Professionals during pandemic (PanHP‐OCS) was used to gather data. Univariate and multivariant analyses explored associations between the PanHP‐OCS score and demographic and professional variables.
Results
About 40% of 817 respondents reported having managerial roles (n = 320). Those who received specific pandemic‐focused training had significantly better PanHP‐OCS scores (p <.001). Most respondents expected their organization to provide them emotional support. Linear regression explored the organizational commitment factor as the greatest contributor to nurses’ professional commitment (Beta = .284, p <.001).
Conclusion
To enhance the nurses’ professional commitment during the COVID‐19 pandemic, training and emotional support must be emphasized in all types of nurses’ workplaces,
Implications for Nursing Management
In a pandemic, health organizations must provide dedicated pandemic training, including proactive emotional support for nurses. Special attention should be given to community care.
