Stress and Burnout of Nursing Staff Working With Geriatric Clients in Long-Term Care

Headnote

[Key words: stress, burnout, nursing staff, geriatric, long-term care]

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress and burnout experience of nursing staff working with geriatric clients in long-term care. The study was conducted at a 252-bed nursing home in southeastern United States.

Background

As a result of increased life expectancy in both men and women, the fast-growing population over age 65 will be a challenge for health care providers. Currently, only 5% of the U.S. population resides in long-term care facilities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). However, with increased life expectancy, the numbers are expected to increase. Providing care for the geriatric population will affect overall health care services.

Research studies and current literature have indicated numerous factors affecting the stress and burnout of nursing staff working with geriatric clients in long-term care. Factors include lack of knowledge in providing care for this population (Cohen-Mansfield & Noelker, 2000; Kennedy, Covington, Evan, & Williams, 2000), conditions of work, including staffing (Bowers, Lauring, & Jacobson, 2001), heavy workload (Jerrard, 2003; Morgan, Semchuk, Steward, & D'Arcy, 2002); and taking care of clients with disabilities, agitation, or dementia (Cohen-Mansfield & Noelker, 2000; Ever, Tomic, & Brouwers, 2001).

Methods

This descriptive correlational study was conducted to compare levels of stress and burnout among three levels of nursing staff: registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Seventy-two respondents of 125 contacted (57.6%) completed two surveys: the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS; Gray-Toft 8c Anderson, 1981a; 198Ib) and the Maslach and Jackson Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach, 1982; Maslach & Jackson, 1981).

The sample consisted of nursing staff (RNs, LPNs, and CNAs) who agreed to participate in the study. At the time of the study 25 licensed nurses and 100 nursing assistants worked in the 252-bed facility. The census was usually at maximum capacity (99%). The wards consisted of five 18-bed intermediate/skilled care wards, a 39-bed subacute/critical care unit, and a 31-bed Alzheimer unit. Residents were older clients requiring skilled care, clients with dementia, and clients with mental illness. Many residents had both mental health and medical problems. The average age of this population was greater than 80.

The research was designed to address the following questions: (a) What is the relationship...