Bridging the Gap: Exploring Nursing Supervisor Support Influence on Nurses' Work Alienation and Deviant Behaviors

Abstract

Background: The strength of staff nurses' relationships with their supervisors may reduce both nurses' work alienation and their workplace deviant behaviors. Supervisor support is based on how the organization's agents perceive nurses to be treated. This perception of fairness gives workers hope that they will continue to receive fair treatment in the future. Supervisory influence has become more prevalent in the field of health leadership. Aim: This study aimed to explore the influence of perceived nursing supervisor support on nurses' work alienation and deviant behaviors at Zagazig University Hospitals. Method: A descriptive correlational research was designed with randomly selected 353 nurses from Zagazig University Hospitals. Data collection tools: Supervisor support scale, work alienation scale for nurses, and the workplace deviance questionnaire. Results: 40.5 % of nurses had a low perception of nursing supervisor support, 90.93% did not feel alienated at work, and 85% did not participate in deviant behaviors at work. Additionally, nursing supervisor support was shown to be statistically significantly correlated negatively with work alienation and workplace deviant behaviors (p-value > 0.001). Conclusion and recommendation : Perceived nursing supervisor support had a significant influence on nurses' work alienation and their workplace deviant behaviors. Nurse supervisors may reduce workplace deviant behaviors and job alienation among their staff by implementing educational programs. It is also advised to do further study in this field to determine the variables impacting workplace deviant behaviors and alienation at work.