Burnout and perceptions of conscience among health care personnel: A pilot study

Abstract

Although organizational and situational factors have been found to predict burnout, not everyone employed at the same workplace develops it, suggesting that becoming burnt out is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of this study was to elucidate perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience, moral sensitivity, social support and resilience among two groups of health care personnel from the same workplaces, one group on sick leave owing to medically assessed burnout (n = 20) and one group who showed no indications of burnout (n = 20). The results showed that higher levels of stress of conscience, a perception of conscience as a burden, having to deaden one's conscience in order to keep working in health care and perceiving a lack of support characterized the burnout group. Lower levels of stress of conscience, looking on life with forbearance, a perception of conscience as an asset and perceiving support from organizations and those around them (social support) characterized the non-burnout group.

Measuring changes in attitude, practice and knowledge of undergraduate nursing students after receiving an educational intervention in ethical comportment in critical care nursing

“…This training will offer a valuable experience for students to handle the ethical issues they face during their nursing practice. [23][24][25] Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure changes in attitude, practice and knowledge of undergraduate nursing students after receiving an educational intervention in ethical comportment in critical care nursing.…”

“…These options include: periodic workshops, adherence to nursing code of ethics and ethical comportment. [14] Gustafsson, Eriksson, Strandberg, and Norberg [25] stated that lack of support and time to provide the needed patients' care and perceived inability to live up to expectations of oneself and those of peers and supervisors, were considered factors that decrease ethical comportment leading to decrease the quality of nursing care provided. [25] Chopra et al [13] assessed the knowledge of, and attitudes to healthcare ethics among north Indian nurses and physicians.…”

“…[14] Gustafsson, Eriksson, Strandberg, and Norberg [25] stated that lack of support and time to provide the needed patients' care and perceived inability to live up to expectations of oneself and those of peers and supervisors, were considered factors that decrease ethical comportment leading to decrease the quality of nursing care provided. [25] Chopra et al [13] assessed the knowledge of, and attitudes to healthcare ethics among north Indian nurses and physicians. The findings of this study indicated gaps in the knowledge about the practical aspects of health care ethics among nurses and physicians, which they encounter in day-to-day practice in their workplace and recommended that practical education in ethics, could assist in bridging the gap in ethical approaches among different levels of healthcare staff.…”

Developing Ethical Skills: From Sensitivity to Action

“…Lack of time and support to provide the care that patients need and perceived inability to live up to expectations of oneself and those of peers and supervisors, have been associated with diminished ethical sensitivity and dulling of moral conscience. 6 Development of ethical sensitivity includes an awareness of alternative courses of action and how each course of action could affect all those involved, including patients, patients' family members, health care colleagues, members of the administration, and others. 5 Recognition of and respect for alternative perspectives are essential if constructive ethical dialogue is to occur and may contribute to maintaining a healthy workplace.…”

The Compatibility of Administrative and Educative Supervison

“…The financial costs are insignificant when weighted against the human cost on the external and internal clients. Not only should caseload size and complexity be addressed, but to address issues with educational supervision that can improve social workers ability to meet administrative demands (See Case Example) and prevent burnout (Gustafson, et al, 2010;Heugten, 2011;Newell & MacNeil, 2010).…”