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The demotivating impact of absenteeism in nursing homes
Author(s) -
Roussillon Soyer Claude,
StOnge Sylvie,
Igalens Jacques,
Balkin David B.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.13314
Subject(s) - absenteeism , nursing , competence (human resources) , autonomy , psychology , nursing management , medicine , social psychology , political science , law
Aim The study explores how prevailing absenteeism frustrates or thwarts nurses' and nursing assistants' basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness), using self‐determination theory. Background Our study responds to the call to investigate how organisational characteristics influence employees' psychological need, satisfaction and their attitudes and behaviours. Method We conducted a semantic analysis of the discourse of 42 nurses and nursing assistants working in nursing homes for older dependent people in France. Results The analysis subdivides participants' discourse into four themes: short‐term absenteeism, lack of competence, lack of recognition and work overload. These themes are all linked to participants' perceived deficits or threats concerning their psychological needs. Conclusions The prevailing absenteeism has a harmful spiral impact on nurses' and nursing assistants' attitudes and behaviours, and, ultimately, on the quality of care received by the patients. Implications for Nursing Management Our study confirms the need to adopt various managerial actions to address the following interrelated issues: controlling short‐term absences, reducing work overload and giving training and recognition.