Predictors of job strain in residential dementia care nursing staff.

Abstract

AIM:

To identify predictors of job strain in residential nursing care staff working with people with dementia.

BACKGROUND:

It is well known that nursing staff experience high levels of stress, but less is known about how to predict job strain.

METHODS:

The job strain of nursing care staff (n = 344) within residential dementia care settings was assessed. Standard linear regression analysis was used to explore predictors of job strain.

RESULT:

Data from the study shows that nursing staff in residential dementia care have a demanding job and experience high levels of strain. The linear regression model with four predictor variables explained 19% of the variability in job strain scores. Perceived caring climate of the unit, staff education level, possibilities to have discussions of difficulties and ethics at work and staff age, had a statistically significant association with job strain.

CONCLUSIONS:

The caring climate, staff education, reflective practice and staff age can be used as screening variables when predicting job strain.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT:

These predictors can assist managers and directors to identify targeted strategies for supervision and support of nursing staff to secure their well-being, and by that securing the quality of care provided to residents.

• Authors: David Edvardsson, Per-Olof Sandman, Rhonda Nay, Stig Karlsson
• Journal: Journal of nursing management (J Nurs Manag) Vol. 17 Issue 1 Pg. 59-65 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1365-2834 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19166523 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Adult
• Aged, 80 and over
• Dementia (nursing)
• Female
• Humans
• Job Satisfaction
• Linear Models
• Male
• Models, Statistical
• Multivariate Analysis
• Nursing Staff
• Occupational Health (statistics & numerical data)
• Residential Facilities (statistics & numerical data)
• Stress, Psychological
• Surveys and Questionnaires