Work engagement index among nurse-educators in private higher education institutions in Region III, Philippines

Abstract

Introduction

Higher level of work engagement brings people to become more productive, vigorous, dedicated and enthusiastic to perform duties and responsibilities as part of the dynamic academic institution. Work engagement is characterized by three (3) variables namely, vigor, dedication, and absorption. But published studies about work engagement index among nurse-educator are lacking; hence, this study purported to fill this gap. Likewise, this will be the basis for the improvement of faculty development program among nurse-educators.

Objective

The general purpose of the study is to determine the work engagement index among nurse-educators in Private Colleges of Nursing in Region III, Philippines.

Method

Mixed-methods approach; specifically, a sequential-explanatory design was employed. It involved 124 from 21 identified private Colleges of Nursing in Region III via purposive sampling while seven (7) participants composed of two (2) deans and five (5) faculty members were recruited for the qualitative content analysis using the nested sampling technique. It utilized the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) by Schaufeli & Bakker for its quantitative data while a semi-structured interview guide was used for its qualitative data. Period of data collection was from January to March 2022 via online survey and interview was conducted via google meet and/or zoom conference. For the analysis, the quantitative approach, weighted mean was used while for the qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis.

Results

The study revealed that nurse-educators have high work engagement as to vigor (WM = 4.44), absorption (WM = 4.77), and dedication (WM = 4.84). These results were supported by the qualitative part with three emerging themes: gratefulness, blissfulness, and willfulness.

Conclusion

It was concluded that several factors can produce a higher level of satisfaction leading to increase of work engagement as depicted by the participants of the study. Likewise, a national study can be conducted to verify some findings of this study regarding work engagement.