Transformational Leadership’s Impact on Finding Meaning and Joy in Work

Aim: To evaluate the impact transformational leadership (TFL) behaviors and What Matters to You conversations have on RNs finding meaning and joy in work (MJW) and turnover. Background: The nursing profession is plagued by burnout - a precursor to loss of MJW. Loss of MJW was exhibited as low morale and increased turnover among acute care RNs at a small hospital in Southwest Arizona. Addressing loss of MJW aligns with caring for the caregiver, the fourth aim of the quadruple aim initiative. Methods: This was a quasi?experimental mixed methodology evidence-based project. The target populations were core RNs and leaders working in the intensive care unit, care unit, and emergency department. Intervention was multimodal – survey using Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire, TFL education, and steps one and two of the IHI four steps for leaders model. Results: Final sample was 18 RNs. Statistical analyses did not reveal significant impact; pre- and post-survey MJWQ scores remained above four. Themes from the What Matters to You conversations included making a difference, coworkers/connections, staffing, and negativity. Turnover trended positively in two of the three units. Conclusion: This project heightened awareness about MJW and illuminated the impact TFL behaviors can have on RNs finding MJW and turnover. The coronavirus pandemic and acute nursing shortage were significant limitations of the project. Implications: Healthcare organizations are encouraged to view MJW as a system asset, embed it in their cultures, invest in innovative solutions, and continually evaluate outcome measures of MJW.