The prevalence of stress-related outcomes and occupational well-being among emergency nurses in the Netherlands and the role of job factors: A regression tree analysis.

AIMS

This study aims to assess the prevalence of stress-related outcomes (burnout, sleep problems and post-traumatic stress) and occupational well-being (work engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intention) of Dutch emergency room nurses and to identify job factors related to key outcomes.

BACKGROUND

While emergency nurses are prone to stress-related outcomes, no large-scale studies have been conducted in the Netherlands. Furthermore, few studies considered combined effects of job factors on emergency nurses' well-being.

METHODS

In 2017, an occupation-specific survey was filled out by 701 (response: 74%) emergency nurses from 19 Dutch hospitals. Decision tree methods were used to identify the most important (combination of) job factors related to key outcomes.

RESULTS

High prevalence of stress-related outcomes and turnover intention were found, while the majority experienced work engagement and were satisfied with their job. Emotional exhaustion was mainly associated with worktime demands and aggression/conflict situations. Work engagement was mainly associated with developmental opportunities.

CONCLUSIONS

Dutch emergency room nurses are at risk of stress-related outcomes and have high turnover intention, while feeling engaged and satisfied with their job.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

To retain and attract emergency room nurses, it is recommended to focus efforts on increasing developmental opportunities, while reducing worktime demands and aggression incidents.