Communication skills, working environment and burnout among oncology nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between communication self-efficacy, working environment perceptions and burnout in an Israeli sample of oncology nurses.


METHODS
A non-randomized convenience sample of nurses (n=39) was recruited from six oncology units in a major tertiary medical center in Israel. Measurements included a socio-demographic survey, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a communication skills self-efficacy inventory and the Working Environment Scale.


RESULTS
Frequent experiences of emotional exhaustion were reported by >60% of participants, cynicism by 28%, and self-actualization by >80%. Several statistically significant associations were demonstrated between communication skills self-efficacy and burnout, as well as between cynicism and reported positive characteristics of the working environment.


CONCLUSIONS
In our study, emotional exhaustion and self-actualization were found to be separate and distinct experiences that can occur simultaneously. Communication self-efficacy and a positive perception of the working environment appear to buffer the occurrence of emotional exhaustion and promote self-actualization.
Emold
Carol
C
National Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel. carole@tasmc.health.gov.il
Schneider
Noa
N
Meller
Isaac
I
Yagil
Yaron
Y
D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000451:nursing*; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009726:Nurses; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D017132:Workplace