Perceptions of staff shortage as a predisposing factor for stress among professional orthopaedic nurses at a public hospital in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining the perceptions of professional orthopaedic nurses concerning stress-inducing factors resulting from staff shortage in orthopaedic units at the East London Hospital Complex in the Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. A convenience sample of 39 professional orthopaedic nurses in orthopaedic units participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire with semi-structured, open-ended questions related to demographic data, employment history and perceptions of stress-inducing factors affecting both patients and professional nurses. The results of the study indicated that 97.4% (n = 38) of the participants reported that patients’ basic needs, in general, were not met due to conditions related to the staff shortage. A number of shortfalls in the provision of quality care were identified. Ninety percent (n = 35) indicated that medication was not given at appropriate times, while 79.4% (n = 31) indicated that orthopaedic procedures were not followed properly. The compromise on provision of quality care led to job dissatisfaction among the participants as their intent was to provide quality care. Eighty-five percent (n = 33) of the participants experienced the working environment as not conducive to the provision of quality care and speedy recovery of patients. Sixty-seven percent of the participants (n = 26) further reported that, overall, time was not available for staff development, for instance through attendance of workshops and continuing education, while 64 % (n = 25) indicated that they were not given opportunities for further study in formal programmes. The results indicated that stress-inducing factors which affected both patients and orthopaedic nurses were due to a shortage of staff in orthopaedic units. Orthopaedic Unit managers should develop strategies to reduce stress in the workplace and promote coping skills for professional orthopaedic nurses.

Keywords: Perceptions, stress-inducing factors, staff shortage, professional orthopaedic nurses.