Supportive Communication Among Nurses: Effects on Commitment, Burnout, and Retention

Results indicate targeted effects of instrumental and informational support, but broader effects for emotional support in organizational outcomes, and that other rationales explaining the link between social support and burnout may be warranted.

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research project designed to determine the impact of specific types of supportive communication on burnout, organizational commitment, and retention for practicing nurses. Hypotheses regarding the influence of informational, emotional, and instrumental social support were tested with survey data gathered from a large group of employed nurses. Results indicate targeted effects of instrumental and informational support, but broader effects for emotional support in organizational outcomes. Although significant relations were found for supportive communication and personal control, results indicate that other rationales explaining the link between social support and burnout may be warranted. The implications for theory and research are discussed.