Subjective cognitive complaints, psychosocial factors and nursing work function in nurses providing direct patient care

• DOI: 10.1111/jan.13505
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17T05:26:38Z
• Authors: Tammy Barbe; Laura P. Kimble; Cynthia Rubenstein
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Attitude of Health Personnel; Middle Aged; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Job Satisfaction; United States; 3. Good health; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Cognition; 0302 clinical medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Female; Clinical Competence; Patient Care; Workplace; Aged

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to examine relationships among subjective cognitive complaints, psychosocial factors and nursing work function in nurses providing direct patient care.BackgroundCognitive functioning is a critical component for nurses in the assurance of error prevention, identification and correction when caring for patients. Negative changes in nurses’ cognitive and psychosocial functioning can adversely affect nursing care and patient outcomes.DesignA descriptive correlational design with stratified random sampling.MethodThe sample included 96 nurses from the major geographic regions of the United States. Over 9 months in 2016–2017, data were collected using a web‐based survey. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine relationships among subjective cognitive complaints, psychosocial factors and nursing work function.ResultsOverall, participants reported minimal work function impairment and low levels of subjective cognitive complaints, depression and stress. In multivariate analyses, depression was not associated with nurses’ work function. However, perceived stress and subjective concerns about cognitive function were associated with greater impairment of work function.ConclusionNurses experiencing subjective cognitive complaints should be encouraged to address personal and environmental factors that are associated with their cognitive status. Additionally, stress reduction in nurses should be a high priority as a potential intervention to promote optimal functioning of nurses providing direct patient care. Healthcare institutions should integrate individual and institutional strategies to reduce factors contributing to workplace stress.