Abstract

Relocation of the elderly has stimulated research into its effect on this vulnerable group. This study, by contrast, focuses attention on the staff response to relocation. Nursing staff on an Elderly and Severely Mentally Infirm Unit (ESMI) who were caring for the 50-60 inpatients completed a questionnaire, measuring job satisfaction and work-related attitudes, immediately and after the relocation to a newly refurbished unit. A follow-up was conducted 8 months after the change of environment. Only after the 8-month follow-up had overall levels of job satisfaction improved significantly. No changes over time were found in attitude to caring for ESMI patients or views about providing more facilitative activities as opposed to traditional nursing care. On all occasions there was a great sense of co-operation amongst staff, but they were unsatisfied with the pressure of work. Morale and feeling part of a team effort dropped after relocation but regained original levels on follow-up. Staff turnover was high for the duration of the study. Opinions concerning work were not associated with staff leaving immediately on relocation but low satisfaction levels did predict a future exodus of staff from the unit after the relocation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.