Work engagement among participants of residency and professional development programs in nursing

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the levels of engagement at work of nurses enrolled in multi-professional residency and professional development programs in health care of a Brazilian public institution. Method: a cross-sectional study with 36 professionals. The data were collected in September 2013, with use of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), composed of seventeen self-evaluation items with the dimensions vigor, dedication and absorption, as well as an overall score. Results: the levels of engagement ranged from 3.8 to 4.3, and the standard deviations, between 1.1 and 1.3. Nurses showed average levels on vigor (3.8) and absorption (3.9) dimensions, and high levels on dedication (4,3) and engagement (4.0). Conclusion: the professionals presented good levels of energy, resilience, enthusiasm and involvement with the work. They are satisfied with the activity and are dedicated to it, which promotes the acquisition of skills and competences along the in-service training, ensuring a future professional practice of quality.