Nursing Publications

Title

Predictors of New Graduate Nurses' Workplace Well-being: Testing the Job Demands-resources Model

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2012

Journal

Health Care Management Review

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

175

Last Page

186

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HMR.0b013e31822aa456

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: New graduate nurses currently experience a stressful transition into the workforce, resulting in high levels of burnout and job turnover in their first year of practice.

PURPOSE:: This study tested a theoretical model of new graduate nurses' worklife derived from the job demands-resources model to better understand how job demands (workload and bullying), job resources (job control and supportive professional practice environments), and a personal resource (psychological capital) combine to influence new graduate experiences of burnout and work engagement and, ultimately, health and job outcomes.

METHODOLOGY/APPROACH:: A descriptive correlational design was used to test the hypothesized model in a sample of newly graduated nurses (N = 420) working in acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected from July to November 2009. Participants were mailed questionnaires to their home address using the Total Design Method to improve response rates. All variables were measured using standardized questionnaires, and structural equation modeling was used to test the model.

FINDINGS:: The final model fit statistics partially supported the original hypothesized model. In the final model, job demands (workload and bullying) predicted burnout and, subsequently, poor mental health. Job resources (supportive practice environment and control) predicted work engagement and, subsequently, lower turnover intentions. Burnout also was a significant predictor of turnover intent (a crossover effect). Furthermore, personal resources (psychological capital) significantly influenced both burnout and work engagement.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:: The model suggests that managerial strategies targeted at specific job demands and resources can create workplace environments that promote work engagement and prevent burnout to support the retention and well-being of the new graduate nurse population.

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