The Association Between Work Passion and Research Ability in Male Nurses: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study in China

<b>Aim:</b> To investigate the relationship between work passion and research ability in male nurses from China. <b>Background:</b> Male nurses are vital to global nursing, yet face severe shortages, occupational stress, and research constraints. While work passion significantly impacts job performance across fields, its role in shaping male nurses' research ability remains underexplored. Filling this gap is critical for addressing systemic barriers and fostering their academic contributions, ultimately advancing nursing science. The advancement of the nursing discipline heavily relies on frontline nursing researchers. However, the global shortage of nursing staff is particularly severe among male nurses and their participation in research is limited. Existing studies focus on female nurses, neglecting systemic barriers like funding, mentorship, and stereotypes that hinder male nurses' academic growth. This study addresses this gap by examining how work passion shapes male nurses' research ability, offering insights to foster their professional development and scientific contributions. <b>Methods:</b> This multicenter cross-sectional study, supported by the Provincial Nursing Association by using a convenience sampling method, surveyed 438 male nursing staff across 87 provincial hospitals from Hebei Province, including 39 tertiary levels A hospitals and 7 medical college-affiliated hospitals. Data collection involved demographic information, the Work Passion Scale (WPS), and the Nursing Research Capability Scale (NRCS). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, <i>T</i>-tests, and one-way ANOVA. <b>Results:</b> Results show that the primary barrier to scientific research identified was difficulty in selecting research topics. Positive correlations were found between both dimensions of work passion (harmonious and obsessive) and all dimensions of nursing research ability. Male nurses with higher work passion scores demonstrated significantly higher research ability compared with those with lower work passion. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study highlights the significant challenges faced by male nurses in the 87 provincial hospitals surveyed in a scientific research, such as difficulties in topic selection, writing skills, financial support, and mentorship. Our findings reveal that reduced work passion negatively impacts their research development. Hospital managers should implement targeted policies to enhance work passion, such as providing research training, financial support, and mentorship programs. By addressing these issues, we can foster a more supportive environment that promotes both the scientific research ability and the overall professional development of male nurses.