Association between job strain, mental health and empathy among intensive care nurses

Nursing shortage is a worldwide issue. It could influence factors such as job strain, nurses' mental health and nurse empathy towards patients.

The aim of the study is to explore the associations between job strain, psychological distress, psychological well-being and empathy in intensive care units (ICUs).

A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design.

Data were collected using questionnaires and an observation tool completed by three observers during a standardized clinical simulation (SCS). A total of 26 nurses practicing in three ICUs participated in the study, which took place over 3 days in December 2011.

One dimension of job strain, psychological demand, was associated with two subscales of mental health (psychological distress positively and psychological well-being negatively). Positive correlations were demonstrated between psychological distress and nurse empathy as perceived by both the observers and the actor who played the role of patient.

Some associations have been confirmed between job strain, psychological distress, psychological well-being and empathy in the ICU while others needs further investigation.

It is important to reduce psychological demand among intensive care nurses in order to prevent psychological distress. The exploration of the connection between empathy and psychological distress should be advanced. This study suggests that SCSs provide an innovative approach that is useful for research.