Effects of Director of Care Support on Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Long-Term Care Nurse Supervisors

Abstract

The provision of care for frail older adults in Long-term care settings is challenging. It requires not only specialized knowledge and skills, but also supportive commitment on the part of directors of care to their nurse supervisors (registered nurses and registered practical nurses) and unregulated healthcare staff. In these complex work environments, communication and leadership are critical to staff job satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential that directors of care represent a source of support for their nurse supervisors. The purpose of this multi-site study was to examine the relationships among perceived support from directors of care, and nurse supervisors' job stress and job satisfaction. Forty-five per cent of the total variance in job satisfaction of nurse supervisors was explained by supervisory support, stress and job category (registered nurse vs. registered practical nurse). Greater supervisory support was also associated with reduced job stress. These findings are essential in developing strategies to improve the nurse supervisory role in long-term care settings.