Self-Leadership and Work Engagement in Nephrology Nurses Working in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Units

Burnout among nephrology nurses is well documented. Nurses in acute dialysis work full shifts and then are often required to remain on call for emergencies, resulting Nurse burnout and attrition are challenges facing the entire health care system. This study investigates the potential of self-leadership to bolster work engagement among nephrology registered nurses (RNs) working in dialysis units, an area in which research remains scant. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we measured the perceptions of self-leadership and work engagement of nephrology RNs working in hemodialysis and peritoneal units, and explored the relationship between these variables. Data were collected from a social media private group for nurses working in dialysis. Findings indicate elevated levels of self-leadership and work engagement among nephrology RNs working in dialysis units, with a statistically significant positive correlation - as perceptions of self-leadership increased, so did nurses' work engagement. Results of this study and implications for professional practice are addressed.