In the constantly evolving landscape of healthcare, the personal and professional development of nurses emerges as an essential factor influencing both individual well-being and patient care. A recent cross-sectional study sheds light on this phenomenon, especially focusing on the experiences of female nurses who are simultaneously raising preschool children. Conducted by Nakagawa et al., the research provides profound insights into how work engagement and social support play pivotal roles in facilitating personal growth among these professionals. This study opens up essential dialogues about the broader implications of workplace culture and policies in healthcare settings.
The dichotomy between the responsibilities of a nurse and a caregiver can be overwhelming. For female nurses, the balancing act is complex as they juggle their demanding roles at work with familial duties at home. This dual responsibility often leads to stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue. However, this study illustrates an interesting dimension—how, despite these challenges, personal growth can arise from such experiences. The research posits that work engagement and social support are not just protective factors, but they also serve as catalysts for personal development among these nurses.
Work engagement refers to the emotional and mental state of being absorbed in one’s work. This engagement is crucial, as it directly correlates with job satisfaction and overall well-being. In the case of female nurses raising young children, the passion and commitment they exhibit toward their profession may enhance their resilience. The findings suggest that when nurses feel engaged and connected with their work and colleagues, they report higher levels of personal growth. Such insights underscore the importance of fostering an engaging work environment for healthcare professionals.
Social support acts as another cornerstone of personal growth for nurses. In the context of their responsibilities at home and work, social support from colleagues, supervisors, and family members can mitigate the effects of stress and overwhelm. This study emphasizes the necessity of building robust networks of support within the workplace. When nurses feel that they have a bastion of support, they are more likely to thrive, balancing their dual roles without succumbing to the pressures of either.
Analyzing the study’s data reveals an encouraging trend: female nurses who reported high levels of work engagement and social support also experienced significant personal growth. This growth was manifested in their professional abilities, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence. These attributes not only benefit the nurses themselves but can also lead to improved patient care and outcomes. Healthy nurses produce healthier environments for patients, ultimately creating a more positive healthcare experience.
Interestingly, the research highlights the diverse ways through which personal growth can take shape. For some nurses, it may mean developing leadership skills, while for others, it may involve enhanced empathy or a strengthened work ethic. The unique journeys of these nurses reflect their individual experiences and challenges, further emphasizing that personal growth is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Instead, it is intricately linked to their specific circumstances, including the types of social support available to them.
Moreover, the intersection between personal growth and workplace policies cannot be overstated. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly vital for organizational leaders to recognize how their policies affect staff engagement and support. By instituting policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling, mental health resources, and professional development opportunities, healthcare organizations can create environments where nurses thrive. This approach not only benefits the nurses but also enhances overall patient care quality.
Looking forward, the implications of this study extend beyond individual experiences; they call for systemic changes within healthcare organizations. As the workforce becomes more aware of the challenges faced by female nurses raising children, there is a growing demand for comprehensive support systems. These can include mentorship programs, peer support networks, and educational workshops designed to facilitate both personal and professional advancement.
In summation, Nakagawa et al.’s groundbreaking research offers a vital perspective on the intertwining paths of work engagement, social support, and personal growth among female nurses raising preschool children. It presents a call to action for healthcare leaders to prioritize the well-being of their staff, recognizing that such investments pay dividends in patient outcomes and overall organizational health. The journey of these nurses, fraught with challenges yet ripe with opportunities for growth, highlights the resilience of healthcare professionals and the significance of tailored support systems in fostering personal development.
As a society, we are tasked with understanding and supporting the dual roles played by these dedicated individuals. It’s imperative to continue conversations centered around their experiences, as the insights gained will not only benefit healthcare professionals but also enhance the quality of care they provide—a crucial outcome in today’s healthcare ecosystem.
Research directed toward this demographic reveals valuable lessons for various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for empathy in workplace dynamics. Future studies should continue to explore innovative ways to harness work engagement and social support mechanisms that can significantly enhance the personal growth of nurses, ensuring that they emerge with not only resilience but also renewed passion in their profession.
Subject of Research: Personal growth among female nurses raising preschool children and the role of work engagement and social support.
Article Title: Personal growth among female nurses raising preschool children: a cross-sectional study on the role of work engagement and social support.
Article References: Nakagawa, A., Hara, Y., Matsunaga, A. et al. Personal growth among female nurses raising preschool children: a cross-sectional study on the role of work engagement and social support. BMC Nurs 24, 1283 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03941-w
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03941-w
Keywords: Personal growth, female nurses, work engagement, social support, preschool children, healthcare, burnout, resilience, patient care.
