Influence of support on work engagement in nursing staff : the mediating role of possibilities for professional development

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of colleague and supervisor support on work engagement, examining the mediating role of possibilities for professional development in a healthcare setting. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A sample of 253 Colombian nurses from a private hospital completed a series of questionnaires. Findings: According to the results, support from both colleagues and supervisors influences the work engagement of healthcare personnel. This research provides evidence about how to encourage work engagement in nursing staff through an adequate environment characterized by support and opportunities for career advancement. Research limitations/implications: In this study, a cross-sectional design was used; therefore, the generalization is limited, and it is not possible to infer causality. Originality/value: Providing certain conditions can promote not only work engagement with its desirable effects, but it may also mitigate the burden of a complex environment such as healthcare.