Natasha Khamisa
Abstract:
Nurses have been found to experience higher burnout levels compared to other health professionals owing to the nature of their work. High burnout levels among nurses have been attributed to their stressful working environments. Prolonged exposure to work related stress leading to burnout has negative consequences for job satisfaction and general health of nurses. This has wider implications on the health system, such as high turnover rates and compromised patient care. Studies have confirmed that stress related to security risks in the workplace predicts job satisfaction as well as general health, stress related to patient care and nursing shortages better predict job satisfaction and general health whereas burnout better predicts job satisfaction than general health of nurses. Despite empirical support for these findings, it is important to note that existing frameworks largely examine relationships between variables with less focus on the processes through which the variables interact with each other. A more comprehensive model based on a longitudinal study, focusing on a multitude of contributing factors and outcomes, will be presented to enhance the understanding of the complex processes through which stress affects burnout, job satisfaction and general health. This knowledge could inform the design of relevant interventions informing human resources for health policy and practice in developing countries.
Share this article