Work alienation influences nurses’ readiness for professional development and willingness to learn: A cross-sectional correlation study

Work alienation has a negative impact on nursing profession and may affect professional nursing development and willingness to learn during the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to explore the perceived levels of professional development, willingness to learn, and work alienation during this pandemic among nurses in Jordan. It also assessed the influence of work alienation and sociodemographic factors on readiness for professional development and willingness to learn. We used a cross-sectional correlation study design using the Arabic readiness for professional development and willingness to learn and work alienation scales among 328 nurses working in Jordan University Hospital, Amman-Jordan. Data were collected during the period of October and November 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean ± Standard deviation), Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and regression analysis. The perceived levels of work alienation (3.12 ± 1.01) and readiness for professional development and willingness to learn (3.51 ± 0.43) among nurses were found to be at high levels during this era. Work alienation was negatively associated with readiness for professional development and willingness to learn (r = -0.54, p <0.001). The higher educational level of a nurse was found to be associated with a higher work alienation (r = -0.16, p = 0.008). Results indicated that work alienation had a direct influence on readiness for professional development and willingness to learn among nurses (R(2) = 0.287, p < 0.001). Work alienation among nurses seems to be increased during the pandemic and it has reduced their readiness for professional development and willingness to learn. Nurse managers at hospitals must assess the perceived level of work alienation among nurses annually and design appropriate counseling interventions programs to reduce their work alienation and increase their willingness to learn.