Occupational stress and organizational commitment in nurse administrators

Area of Science:

• Nursing Administration
• Occupational Health Psychology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• Limited research exists on burnout and turnover among nurse administrators compared to staff nurses.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for retaining experienced leadership in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate occupational stress (burnout) and organizational commitment (intent to stay) in nurse administrators.
• To examine the inter-relationships between burnout and commitment.
• To identify personal and organizational factors influencing these outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A mailed survey was distributed to nurse executives in a state.
• The Maslach Burnout Inventory and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire were utilized.
• Data were collected from 78 respondents, representing a significant portion of the state's nurse executive membership and hospitals.

Main Results:

• Approximately half of respondents reported low burnout, while one-third experienced high burnout.
• High organizational commitment was inversely correlated with burnout dimensions and non-nursing management experience.
• Factors such as limited colleague interaction exacerbated burnout, while perceived organizational support and religiosity positively influenced intent to stay.

Conclusions:

• Findings align with existing research but highlight the unique stressors in the nurse administrator role.
• Strategies to mitigate organizational stress may require tailored approaches for administrative positions.
• Further research is recommended on social support, organizational-individual fit, and adapting development techniques for this group.