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Learning Objective 1: 1. The learner will be able to examine how stress and burnout affects the health and well being of nurse managers.
Learning Objective 2: 2. The learner will be able to explain the benefit of a democratic workplace environment in comparison to the traditional hierarchical leadership structure.
High turnover of key leadership positions and extended, unfilled vacancies are two concerning trends reflective of both hospitals and institutes of higher learning. Middle managers (nursing managers; academic program directors) set the ambiance for their employees, and if overworked, do negatively alter the work climate. A stressed environment adds to a decreased staff morale which can lead to resignations, ultimately affecting the consumer. Understanding the dynamics of emotional demands within this key role is critical and yet has been minimally addressed in the nursing literature. The purpose of this study was to explore the overall psychosocial work environment of nursing academic administrators in the United States to gain understanding of what may be the contributing factors to the increasing turnover rate noted and to suggest significant intervention strategies. An exploratory, correlational design was used with 242 associate degree nursing (A.D.N.) program directors in the US using a convenience sample. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II with 28 subscales of work environment variables, along with demographic questions were sent via email. The Work Demand Scale was highest with 63.5 median and Health/Well-being Scale was second highest with 47.9 median. These scales positively correlated with a Spearman Rho=.52(p<.01). Stress and burnout subscales correlated high with a Spearman Rho=.83 (p<.01) and sleep related concerns correlated with stress and burnout with a Spearman Rho=.67 (p<.01).Intervention is warranted to offset the stress and workload demand that directors are currently facing. However, to truly create meaningful change, evidence suggests that the hierarchical leadership structure of educational institutions and hospitals will need to be significantly altered. A new wave of democratic leadership principles has been implemented in businesses with profound results. These same principles need to be implemented from the top administrative tier downward for any significant and long lasting results to occur. |