Perceptions of Communication and Respect Among Coworkers: a Comparison of Employees with and Without Experience in Long-Term Care Environments

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate how the work experiences of employees in long-term care affected their perceptions and levels of respect and communication. Content considers the effects of professional and non-professional long-term care (LTC) staff’s previous work experience, training, and supervision. The notion of hierarchy is raised in the context of its relationship to human rights, because where human right-based care helps to fulfill the humanity of people, the outcome tends to benefit both service users and care providers. As LTC environments continue to expand and reform, they employ a wide range of professional and non-professional staff who have varied educational levels, skill sets, and job responsibilities. Staff burnout and high turnover rates concern LTC administrators and federal and state policies do not require much training or continuing education for certified nursing assistants and other non-professional staff. Relationship issues and experience are important considerations because they connect to staff retention and quality patient care. Herein, a sample of 119 LTC employees was divided into two groups, those with prior LTC experience and those without any prior LTC work experience. Four research questions were tested and limitations and implications for future research are discussed. Findings revealed differences between the two groups; employees who had prior LTC experience perceived higher levels of respect toward residents and toward each other than those employees with no prior experience.