Physical activity and personal factors associated with nurse resilience in intensive care units

Abstract

Aim and objectives To assess intensive care nurses' resilience and identify associated personal factors and physical activity behaviours using a job demands–recovery framework. Background Currently, there is inconsistent evidence as to whether nurse resilience is associated with personal factors or with physical activity at work or during leisure time. Design A cross‐sectional study was conducted with nurses from four intensive care units in Auckland, New Zealand. Methods An online survey was conducted to collect nurses' personal information and assess their resilience levels using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 25. Participants were nurses working at least 32 hr fortnightly and providing direct patient care. Physical activity was objectively measured using a pair of accelerometers worn on the back and thigh over four consecutive days (two workdays followed by two nonworkdays). Bivariable and multivariable regression were used to identify personal factors and physical activity behaviours associated with resilience (followed the STROBE checklist). Results A total of 93 nurses were included in the study. The participants' average resilience level was low. Resilience was positively associated with the objectively measured physical job demands factors: occupational physical activity, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity at work and dynamic standing at work. Resilience was negatively associated with one objectively measured recovery factor: sleep during leisure time. In multivariable modelling, being married and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity at work were positively associated with resilience, while not having religious beliefs and sleep during leisure time were negatively associated with resilience. Conclusions Resilient nurses have a greater tolerance to high physical activity at work and lower sleep duration during leisure time. Strategies are needed to improve intensive care nurses' resilience levels. Relevance to clinical practice Results may help managers gain a better understanding of the ICU nurses' characteristics associated with resilience, leading them to develop strategies for improving ICU nurse resilience.

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Resilience Among Iranian Nurses During COVID-19 Outbreak

“…In the face of COVID-19, one needs to cope with the ongoing stressors at play and keep psychological distress at a minimum level. When nurses work in such critical conditions and also experience high levels of stress and fatigue, resilience is the key factor that can help them cope with these conditions ( 10 ). Resilience assists people to return to the previous state or adapt successfully despite the existence of adverse conditions.…”

“…This can be at play especially in the case of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to psychologists, factors such as personality traits, family ties, and social systems amplify resilience ( 10 ).…”

Effects of Physical Activity and Mindfulness on Resilience and Depression During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Physical activity has also been shown to be effective in building resilience in several populations exposed to high levels of stressors such as teachers and nurses ( Ozkara et al, 2016 ; Yu et al, 2020 ). Elite athletes also have often an above-average level of resilience, which may be due to the many challenges to which they are exposed.…”

Describing objectively measured intensive care nurses’ physical work activity behavioural patterns during a 12‐hr shift

“…Evidence suggests reducing nurses’ physical job demands could be a useful strategy for promoting a healthier workplace under intensive care clinical settings (Carayon & Gürses, 2005). Yet, we have previously demonstrated significant positive cross‐sectional associations between physical job demands and resilience in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses (Yu et al., 2020). Moreover, it is possible that there is an optimal work demand/recovery threshold, or a pattern of physical work activity and recovery throughout the course of a shift that is important to understand.…”

“…Dynamic standing refers to a standing posture with slight movements, and this physical activity behaviour typically reflects the characteristics of ICU nursing physical tasks (Yu et al., 2020). Dynamic standing can often be observed when nurses perform tasks such as oral care, bed baths, medication preparation and equipment set‐up in the patients’ bed space.…”