Staff distress among haemophilia nurses.
To investigate the severity, sources, and means used to cope with the distress experienced by haemophilia nurses as a result of the widespread infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus among haemophiliacs, we collected anonymous questionnaire data from all nurses in the Haemophilia Nursing Network Directory, compiled by the National Haemophilia Foundation in June, 1990. Questionnaires were returned by 136 of the 181 (75%) nurses in the sample. Over 50% of the sample gave distress responses to 15 of 44 statements. Areas associated with the greatest distress were: (1) Failure of patients to take steps to prevent transmission of HIV; (2) Fear of getting infected, and (3) the repeated loss experienced as patients died from infection. Nurses working with haemophiliacs for 11-15 years were particularly vulnerable to feelings of guilt for having participated in the treatment that resulted in HIV infection. Fear of contagion and distress from patient deaths were mutually exclusive ways of reacting to HIV in haemophiliacs. Looking for a new job was related to all major sources of distress. Interaction with peers was perceived as being the most useful source of emotional support.
Gordon
J H
JH
Haemophilia Treatment Center, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Queens, New York.
Ulrich
C
C
Feeley
M
M
Pollack
S
S
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role