Presenteeism: Nurse perceptions and consequences

Abstract

Aims To describe factors leading to and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Background Presenteeism is more prevalent among nurses than other occupational groups. Existing literatures focuses on prevalence and consequences of presenteeism for patients, health care organizations, and nurses. However, we lack understanding of nurse perceptions of factors leading to and consequences of presenteeism. Methods A total of 295 free responses to a cross‐sectional survey were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results Nurses consider multiple factors in deciding how to respond when presentee. These include illness, staffing, availability of leave time, patients, financial constraints and guilt. Consequences of presenteeism identified were decreased mental acuity and attitude leading to lessened communication both in‐person and in documentation, transmission of illness, and decline in unit culture, patient care, and nurse health and well‐being. Conclusions Multiple factors lead to nurse presenteeism and there are negative consequences to nurses' health, work environment and patient care outcomes. Implications for Nursing Management This study leads to key discoveries to the reasons for and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Many of the factors leading to presenteeism can be addressed through culture and policy changes within organizations. The consequences to patient care outcomes and the work environment emphasize the importance of addressing presenteeism.

Association between Presenteeism, Psychosocial Aspects of Work and Common Mental Disorders among Nursing Personnel

“…Moreover, the profile of the studied sample did not change over time. In line with other nurse studies, we also observed a predominantly female population, referring to long work hours, high overload and complaints related to psychosocial stress [ 24 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Even so, our findings should be interpreted with caution, considering different work settings, professions and in particularly the current situations in hospitals.…”

“…Rainbow [ 24 ], using a qualitative approach, described factors leading to nurse presenteeism. The author noted that nurses often prioritize hospital needs over their own health.…”

“…Factors of personal life, such as the need to save days due to the possibility of family emergencies or for travel, are also considered. Finally, depending on organizational policy, absences can also result in loss of wages, which, therefore, would be avoided whenever possible by workers [ 24 ].…”

“…Workers usually differentiate between the types of health conditions they would take sick leave. One of the criteria adopted by nurses in order to decide to attend work when sick is non-contagious illness [ 24 ]. However, a study with healthcare workers found that 41% of the group reported having worked while experiencing influenza-like illness [ 45 ].…”

“…A study on nurses’ perceptions of factors related to presenteeism stated that guilt was a feeling often reported by this group of workers. The increase of the team’s workload due to lack of professionals to assume the tasks, as well as the attempt not to disappoint coworkers, patients and family, are some of the reasons that lead nurses to attend work while sick [ 24 ].…”