A Mixed Methods Analysis of Recognition Satisfaction and Preferences Among Nurses

OBJECTIVE This study assesses the effects of recognition satisfaction on key outcomes and preferences among nursing staff. BACKGROUND Meaningful recognition is vital in nursing, impacting burnout, intent to leave, and moral distress. METHODS A mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted with nurse leaders, staff nurses, nursing professionals, and support staff, including quantitative questions on demographics, well-being, organizational support, resilience, and recognition satisfaction, along with qualitative questions on recognition preferences. RESULTS Nurses' recognition satisfaction was significantly and inversely related to burnout, intent to leave, and moral distress in our sample. Key themes in order of decreasing importance were financial incentives, acknowledgment, fairness, positive feedback, and listening leadership. Those preferring financial incentives reported the lowest perceived organizational support and the lowest well-being of all 5 groups. Participants valuing listening leadership experienced the highest burnout and intent to leave of all groups. Those preferring positive feedback had the highest moral distress. CONCLUSIONS Tailoring recognition programs to preferences of a workforce unit may enhance well-being, perceived organizational support, and retention in nursing including nursing support staff.