Evaluating and Enhancing Nursing Caregiver Well-being Using a Systematic Approach

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate nursing caregiver well-being and identify interventions for improving well-being and practice environments.

Background: Healthcare worker well-being and burnout command increasing attention in the wake of the pandemic. Experts recommend utilization of validated measurements to assess burnout, well-being, and contributing factors.

Methods: Using a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design, an online survey, which included the Professional Quality of Life-5, Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire, and open-ended questions, was administered to nurses and unlicensed assistive caregivers in an academic health system.

Results: Caregivers reported moderate compassion satisfaction, low burnout and compassion fatigue, and low-moderate levels of meaning and joy in work. Overall and subscale scores varied primarily based on age, experience, and role. Top causes of stress and recommendations for improvement were identified.

Conclusion: The levels of meaning and joy in work among nursing caregivers continue to be of concern for organizational leaders. The engagement of nurses and other caregiver team members in a systematic mixed-methods approach, including using validated tools to evaluate caregiver well-being, can lead to meaningful, data-driven action planning to promote well-being and increase the meaning and joy of the work they perform.