Using a sample of 44 couples, in each of which one member had suffered a stroke requiring an inpatient rehabilitation stay, the authors examined the morale of stroke patients older than 60 and their spousal caregivers. One hypothesis that guided this research was that the morale levels of older adult stroke patients would correlate with those of their spousal caregivers and with the patient's physical and emotional functioning. Gender and length of time since the stroke were hypothesized to have an effect on morale. Results indicated that morale of caregivers and care receivers were positively correlated. Moreover, functional independence predicted patient and spouse morale levels. Impressions of caregiving and morale of caregivers were correlated. These findings suggest a need to utilize a dyadic approach in research and intervention dealing with stroke patients whose spouses are providing care.
Support groups have become a part of the lives of many people who suffer from illness and injury. Physicians and other healthcare professionals often recommend them to patients and families dealing with medical conditions, and many support groups are diagnosis specific. The members of five support groups were surveyed to determine the factors that influenced their decision to participate. They reported they attended the groups to meet others with the same diagnosis and to gain more information about the diagnosis. The activities they were most likely to attend were those that gave information on the diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies. The social aspects of the support groups were more important to those who were married and attended with their spouse. The population of this sample was found to be in close contact with family members. They appeared to view their participation in the group as empowering.
Assisted livings face high rates of employee turnover; and nursing homes with high employee turnover report reduced quality of care for residents, lower employee morale, and financial burden for the facility owners. Five communities in Georgia were examined to determine the affects of employee turnover. The Job Descriptive Index and Job-in-General surveys measured job satisfaction. Thirty-six respondents' attitudes and intention to quit were measured. Results indicated age and tenure did not correlate significantly with intention to quit; however, dissatisfaction with pay rates, opportunities for promotion, and the perceived amount of emotional exhaustion and physical strain are not more likely to have greater quitting intentions. Pay and promotion satisfaction were significantly correlated with job satisfaction but not with quitting intentions. Frontline employees were satisfied with their work, supervision, and co-workers, but were dissatisfied with their pay levels and opportunities for promotion. Communities with lower turnover had more satisfied employees.
The issue of job satisfaction among rehabilitation nurses has not been addressed frequently in the literature. This qualitative study was designed to assess rehabilitation nurses' concerns and suggestions for improving the program in a 38-bed acute rehabilitation unit. The study's results indicate that the role of the rehabilitation nurse remains a rewarding one when communication with staff is high and the patient is the focus.
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