Work Related Perceptions among Nursing Staff in Tertiary Care Hospital Of Mumbai, India

Abstract

Objective: (1) To assess the work load and job satisfaction among Nursing staff. (2) To assess special provisions available for them. Materials and Methodology: The present descriptive epidemiological study which had adopted exploratory survey design was carried out during July 2009 to June 2010 in Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital (Twin Institute), a Tertiary Health Care Hospital in Mumbai, India after taking prior approval from higher authorities. Representative group of 60 (females) nursing staff (48 staff nurses and 12 sister in-charge) were selected by simple random method and interviewed using pre-formed, pre-tested semi structured interview schedule. Results: Majority of nursing staff members (88.3%) did not receive job orientation. Average number of problems stated by Sisters in-charge was 2.5 and that of Staff nurses was 5.14. Two third of Sisters in-charge (66.67%) and half of the Staff nurses (52.88%) had expressed dissatisfaction. Most common reason reported was shortage of staff and servants and hence the overwork, mental stress and burnt out phenomenon. None of the nursing staff had clear idea about expected 'nurses: bed ratio' as per the guidelines of the nursing council of India. Conclusion and Recommendations: Dissatisfaction among most of the staff members deserves proper attention. The problems need to be appropriately quantified and whatever measures which can be undertaken immediately should be initiated at earliest. Emphasis should be given on long term planning of professional development of nursing staff rather than promoting only service aspects. The aim of the nursing community worldwide is for its professionals to ensure quality care for all, while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards and competencies, and continuing their education. 2 Nurses care for individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds who are healthy and ill in a holistic manner based on the individual's physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social and spiritual needs. The profession combines physical science, social science, nursing theory and technology in caring for those individuals. The nursing profession is increasingly characterized by occupational stress, frequent job turnover and job dissatisfaction. 3 Newer and innovative methods of patient care along with use of advance technologies in diagnosis and treatment poses a lot of challenges in the performance of job by the nursing staff. Also, nurses attend to the emotional needs of patients and their families as well as undertake managerial responsibilities such as supervising junior staff. The demands of these roles make nurses vulnerable to stress and psychological ill health. 4 To smoothly run any Tertiary Health Care Hospital, a rational coordination of the activities of its employees (Administrator, Doctors, Nurses, Servants etc.) through division of labour, responsibility, authority and accountability is necessary. Each activity carries its own set of responsibilities and the employees are given appropriate authority to perform these activities. They are also accountable for the organization through their