J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2019 Jan;25(1):42-51. 10.11111/jkana.2019.25.1.42.

Relationship of ICU Nurses' Difficulties in End-of-Life Care to Moral Distress, Burnout and Job Satisfaction

• Jeon KB
• Park M

• KMID: 2434523
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2019.25.1.42

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to identify the relationships between the difficulty of end-of-life care and moral distress, burnout and job satisfaction of nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs).
METHODS
This descriptive study was conducted using self-report questionnaires. Participants were nurses who had more than one year of ICU experience and were recruited from three university hospitals (N=168).
RESULTS
The mean scores for ICU nurses' difficulty in end-of-life care, moral distress, burnout and job satisfaction were 3.42, 113.88, 3.16 and 2.58 points, respectively. Difficulty in end-of-life care was positively correlated with moral distress (r=.48, p < .001) and burnout (r=.26, p=.001) and was negatively correlated with job satisfaction (r=−.17, p=.024). Difficulties in end-of-life was identified as a predictor of moral distress (β=.44, p < .001), burnout (β=.26, p=.001) and job satisfaction (β=−.18, p=.024).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest the following: it is important to have a deep understanding of ICU nurses who experience various difficulties in end-of-life care and to provide realist support for these nurses. And practical efforts by nursing organizations are needed, including support systems and education programs to alleviate ICU nurses' difficulties in end-of-life care.

Keyword

Intensive care units; End of life care; Moral distress; Burnout; Job satisfaction

MeSH Terms

Education
Hospitals, University
Intensive Care Units
Job Satisfaction*
Nursing
Terminal Care

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