EXPRESSION OF PROFESSIONAL MOTIVATION AMONG GENERATION Z NURSING SPECIALISTS IN SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT AND NURSING HOSPITAL.

Supportive treatment and nursing hospitals are increasingly facing shortages of nursing staff, while Generation Z entering the labor market is characterized by a different structure of professional motivation and work-related expectations. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors associated with Generation Z nurses' decisions to work and remain in the long-term care sector. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of professional motivation among Generation Z general practice nurses working in supportive treatment and nursing hospitals and to identify the main factors associated with their professional motivation. A quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous survey in 9 supportive treatment and nursing hospitals in Lithuania. The study included 194 Generation Z general practice nurses holding a valid license. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, applying descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (PCA with Varimax rotation), Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression (p < 0.05). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a five-factor structure (KMO = 0.89; Bartlett ≤ = 3124.56; p < 0.001), explaining 67.8% of the variance. Professional motivation was statistically significantly associated with the perception of work meaningfulness (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), organizational support (r = 0.61; p < 0.001), opportunities for professional development (r = 0.54; p < 0.001), and work-life balance (r = 0.47; p < 0.001). The regression model was significant (F = 62.4; p < 0.001) and explained 59% of the variance in professional motivation (R² = 0.59). The strongest predictors of professional motivation were the perception of work meaningfulness (β = 0.41; p < 0.001) and organizational support (β = 0.29; p < 0.001); the impact of opportunities for professional development was also significant (β = 0.21; p < 0.001), as well as a weaker but significant effect of work-life balance (β = 0.12; p = 0.031). The professional motivation of Generation Z general practice nurses in supportive treatment and nursing hospitals is multidimensional and is most strongly associated with the perception of work meaningfulness, organizational support, and opportunities for professional development. These factors provide a strong foundation for motivation and staff retention strategies in the long-term care sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]