Motivation levels among nurses working at Butare University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing the motivation levels of nurses working at Butare University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) in Rwanda. A quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design was used to explore these factors, and non-probability convenience sampling was used to include the most readily available persons as respondents. A convenient sample of 106 nurses was chosen. The findings of the study showed that the nurses at this hospital had a moderate level of motivation. They were unmotivated as a result of dissatisfaction with remuneration; opportunities for growth and promotion; working conditions; recognition, rewards and appreciation; as well as benefits and allowances. The findings from the study can be utilised to improve nurses' income, job promotion, and working conditions in order to increase their motivation levels, and thereby improve their productivity, quality of patient care, and staff retention. Since nurses were partly motivated, healthcare organisations should maximise the nurses' contributions to improve health and social outcomes, at both individual and organisational levels.