Riding the emotional roller‐coaster: A framework for improving nursing morale

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the literature on employee morale and to construct a model of this area pertaining to nurses. This framework seeks to present morale in a holistic manner, illustrating the causal factors that influence nursing morale, the changes that occur in morale when these input variables are altered, and the consequences to patient care and individual and group nursing practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of published works on morale, its causal factors and resulting consequences are critiqued. The findings from this literature review are used to develop a framework for nursing morale.

Findings

The paper presents a definition of morale and, from the literature review, concludes that previous models on morale are fragmented; only tending to explore the variables that influence the employees' emotional state. Consequently, a framework of nursing morale is constructed in order to illustrate this topic from a holistic point‐of‐view.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a number of management and research implications. The management implications consist of a number of useful suggestions for senior nurses to enhance the morale within their units.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified gap in the literature, namely the lack of a holistic model of nursing morale, and offers practical help to senior nurses so that they can initiate processes within their wards that can improve their subordinates' morale.

Citation

McFadzean, F. and McFadzean, E. (2005), "Riding the emotional roller‐coaster: A framework for improving nursing morale", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 19 No. 4/5, pp. 318-339. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777260510615378