The Relationship Between Types of Behavior and Experience in Labor and Socio-demographic Variables in a Group of Neurological Nurses

Abstract

Background. Professional work in human’s life has essentials meaning, it is one of the most important activities in the most important activity in the life of an adult man. It may impact positively, but can also be a source of frustration and mental discomfort. Nursing as occupation of social service is subject to working with different stress factors connected with protection and saving life. One of the most dangerous consequences of stress is the so-called burnout, leading to treating people objectively and even resulting in quitting jobs.
Aim. The main aim of undertaken by the investigations was to estimate the relationship between types of behaviors in work and socio-demographic variables in nurses.
Material and methods. Investigation included 50 nurses employed in Bydgoszcz, who differed from one another with age, seniority, education and the workplace. Investigation was conducted by Questionnaire AVEM (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens-und Erlebensmuster) which is designed for subjective measurement of state of psychical health.
Results. An analysis of these dimensions and their constellations reveals the existence of four patterns of work related to behaviour and experiences. Results of investigation showed that nurses most often function in the burnt out and thrifty way, and most seldom in a healthy way. There was also an association between socio-demographic variables and types of behaviors and experiences and health in the tested nurses group. The results obtained show not only theoretical relationships, but they also indicate the area of their application in practice, first of all in the process of education of nurses.
Conclusions. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and types of behaviors and experiences in the tested nurses group. (PNN 2012;1(2):70-75)