Job Strains and Job Satisfaction of Dialysis Nurses

Abstract

Results are reported from an investigation on job strains in dialysis nurses and needs for psychosocial staff training. 174 dialysis nurses in the Federal Republic of Germany answered the clinical questionnaire, which was distributed in cooperation with the German section of the EDTNA. Although the majority emphasized positive aspects of the job (particularly responsible work, contact to patients, and teamwork), more than one-fourth of the nurses reported marked psychosocial strains. Main sources of stress were doubts about the principle of maximum therapy, the consumerism of some patients, and intrateam tensions. Almost two-thirds confirmed the necessity of psychosocial staff training, favoring training units of 1–2 h once a month. In the staffs opinion psychosocial staff training should mainly include casework and cognitive as well as behavioral training for a better handling of patients and conflicts. Main topics suggested by the nurses for discussion were depression, coping with illness as well as handling of aggressive and pretentious patients. Finally, implications of the findings with respect to the goals and performance of psychosocial staff training are discussed.

Job Satisfaction, Stress and Burnout Associated With Haemodialysis Nursing: A Review of Literature

“…The technological nature of HD nursing was not identified by any of the included studies in this review as contributing to job satisfaction, stress or burnout. This is interesting given the influence that the dialysis machine has in the unit environment (Bevan 1998); although in a much older study Munthy (1989) found that improved job satisfaction for nurses occurred when they felt competent with using dialysis machines.…”

Psychological stress and strain on employees in dialysis facilities: a cross-sectional study with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire

“…This confrontation with suffering and death is very demanding for the medical care personnel in dialysis facilities [2,4-6]. There are also problems with staff reductions [7,8] and in mastering new modern technology [5,9,10].…”

“…The last German study on the job strain and job satisfaction of dialysis nurses was published more than 20 years ago [4]. This study yielded the following results: the main sources of stress were the principle of maximum therapy, the consumerism of some patients and intra-team tensions.…”

Psychosomatic Aspects of End-Stage Renal Failure

“…63 The extensive knowledge which many pa tients acquire about their illness and its treat ment can sometimes be perceived as threaten ing. especially by less experienced staff, and can also lead patients to be quite demanding regarding details of their care [148,149]. Equally, it is often very difficult to work with patients who arc perceived to persistently abuse their diets or other aspects of their treatment.…”

“…Although this has been cited as a reason for increased involvement with patients of spe cialists (psychologists or psychiatrists) [53], a more satisfactory approach is to help staff to increase their competence and confidence in the management of stress, both their own and that of their patients. Staff acknowledge these difficulties, as well as the likely benefits of fur ther training and support [ 149],…”