Psychological Capital and Innovative Behavior among Nurse Interns

Hussien Ahmed Kotb, Ahmed; Mostafa Shazly, Mona; Abdel-Azim Mostafa, Hemat

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.442503

Psychological Capital and Innovative Behavior among Nurse Interns

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ (1) Assistant Lecturer of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing - Fayoum University

² (2) Professor of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing - Ain Shams University

³ (3) Professor of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing - Ain Shams University

10.21608/ejhc.2025.442503

Abstract

Background: Innovative behavior is considered a key factor in the success and survival of healthcare facilities. Thus, it's essential to clarify the factors affecting nurse interns' innovative behavior. One of these factors is their psychological capital (PsyCap). PsyCap is related to various desirable work behaviors and attitudes. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between PsyCap and innovative behavior among nurse interns. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive-correlational design was used. This study was executed at Fayoum University hospitals. The study subjects included all available nurse interns (n = 223) registered in the internship year (2022-2023) in the aforementioned settings. The data were gathered using two tools, namely the Psychological Capital Questionnaire and the Innovative Behavior Inventory. Results: About half of the nurse interns totally perceived a high level of PsyCap. As well, about two-fifths of them totally perceived a high level of innovative behavior. Additionally, the total perception of PsyCap was a positive independent predictor of nurse interns' total innovative behavior perceptions. Moreover, there were statistically significant relationships between nurse interns' total PsyCap perception and the marital status, the level of income, the hobbies, the relatives in the nursing field, and the previous work as health care providers, while nurse interns' total innovative behavior perception was related to the gender, the marital status, the hobbies, and the reason for college entry. Conclusion: There was a positive and highly strong correlation between the total perception of PsyCap and the total perception of innovative behavior among nurse interns. Recommendations: The nursing curricula should be updated to include PsyCap in the undergraduate courses and support innovative behavior. Healthcare facilities should provide a productive and motivated work environment for developing nurse interns' PsyCap and innovation.

Keywords