Nurse Commitment: A Concept Analysis Using Walker and Avant’s Method

Abstract

Nurse commitment is frequently linked to retention, quality of care, and patient safety, yet the concept is applied inconsistently across nursing and health services research. This concept analysis clarifies “nurse commitment” using Walker and Avant’s method by identifying defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for English-language, peer-reviewed sources published between 2021 and January 2026 addressing nurses’ professional commitment, organizational commitment, or commitment-related outcomes. Findings indicate that nurse commitment is a multidimensional psychological bond integrating professional and organizational orientations. Five defining attributes emerged: emotional attachment to nursing, sustained investment in professional development, alignment with nursing values, intention to remain in nursing practice, and dedication to patient-care excellence. Common antecedents included transformational leadership, perceived organizational support, adequate staffing and supportive work environments, professional values, autonomy, and effective socialization. Reported consequences encompassed lower turnover intention, reduced missed nursing care, improved patient safety and quality, and stronger organizational performance. Nurse commitment is distinct from job satisfaction or engagement and reflects an enduring professional–organizational bond shaped by leadership and work conditions and expressed in care excellence and intent to remain.