Generational differences in work ethic among 3 generations of registered nurses.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to understand if differences in dimensions of work ethic exist among 3 generations of nurses working in an inpatient setting at an acute care facility.


BACKGROUND
Generational differences are linked with increased turnover, with work ethic frequently cited as an important difference.


METHODS
The quantitative, quasi-experimental cross-sectional study recruited inpatient registered nurses from 2 teaching hospitals in a southern US metropolitan area to complete the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile online.


RESULTS
The 285 completed surveys indicated that similarities exist among the 3 generations, with statistically significant differences only in leisure, hard work, and delay of gratification dimensions.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding differences in work ethic dimensions could lead to strategies for improving the generational conflict. These results also lead to the conclusion that work ethic differences may not be the cause of the generational conflict among nurses.
Author Affiliation: RN III, Special Staffing Team, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock.
Laura L
LL
Jobe
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014937:Work / Q000941:ethics*; D055815:Young Adult