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

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Worker Well-being
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Healthcare worker well-being and burnout are critical issues, especially post-pandemic.
• Validated measurements are recommended for assessing burnout and well-being.
• Understanding contributing factors to caregiver well-being is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the well-being of nursing caregivers.
• To identify interventions for improving caregiver well-being.
• To assess and enhance healthcare practice environments.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design.
• Online survey including Professional Quality of Life-5 and Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire.
• Administered to nurses and unlicensed assistive caregivers in an academic health system.

Main Results:

• Caregivers reported moderate compassion satisfaction, low burnout, and low-moderate meaning and joy in work.
• Scores varied based on age, experience, and role.
• Identified top causes of stress and recommendations for improvement.

Conclusions:

• Meaning and joy in work among nursing caregivers remain a concern for leadership.
• Systematic mixed-methods approaches are vital for action planning.
• Data-driven strategies can promote well-being and enhance job satisfaction.