Exploring the Relationship Between Workplace Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Long-Term Care Nurses

Posted: Nov 09, 2023

• Penelope Ruiz
• Ivy Coleman
• Beau Holland

Abstract

The nursing profession in long-term care facilities represents a critical component of healthcare delivery, characterized by unique challenges that distinguish it from other healthcare settings. Long-term care nurses provide continuous care for elderly and chronically ill patients, often developing deep relationships with residents over extended periods. This sustained engagement, while professionally rewarding, creates distinctive stressors that differ from those experienced in acute care environments. The existing literature on nursing stress has predominantly focused on hospital settings, creating a significant gap in understanding the specific dynamics within long-term care facilities. This study addresses this gap through an innovative methodological approach that captures the multidimensional nature of stress and satisfaction in this specialized context. Workplace stress among healthcare professionals has been extensively documented, with numerous studies highlighting the consequences of burnout, turnover, and diminished quality of care. However, the relationship between stress and job satisfaction presents a more complex picture than previously acknowledged. Traditional models often presuppose an inverse linear relationship, where increased stress invariably leads to decreased satisfaction. Our research challenges this oversimplification by proposing a more nuanced understanding that accounts for the potential positive aspects of certain stress types and the moderating role of various factors.