title: A survey of work engagement and psychological capital levels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the relationship between work engagement and psychological capital (PsyCap) levels reported by registered nurses.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  PsyCap is a developable human resource. Research on PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement in nurses is needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 137 registered nurses participated in this quantitative cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires measured self-reported levels of work engagement and psychological capital. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant correlation between work engagement and PsyCap scores (r=0.633, p<0.01). Nurses working at band 5 level reported statistically significantly lower PsyCap scores compared with nurses working at band 6 and 7 levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses reporting high levels of work engagement also reported high levels of PsyCap. Band 5 nurses might benefit most from interventions to increase their PsyCap. This study supports PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement.
authors: Honorary Member of the National Nursing and Midwifery Network for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention, England.
authors: Lynda
authors: L
authors: Bonner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Burnout; Motivation; Professional development; Staff empowerment; Staff support