title: Multicenter study of nursing role complexity on environmental stressors and emotional exhaustion.
abstract: Among nurses, work and cognitive complexity patterns of care were previously associated with environmental stressors, but it is unknown if complexity patterns are also associated with emotional exhaustion. A multicenter sample of hospital nurses (N=281) completed valid, reliable questionnaires. Data were analyzed using multivariable modeling. Registered nurse characteristics did not vary by work setting. Overall mean (standard deviation [SD]) standardized complexity of care score was 45.82 (13.73), reflecting moderate complexity during 3-hour work periods. Nurses experienced greater cognitive complexity patterns than work complexity patterns (p<0.001). In multivariable analyses, overall complexity of care and work and cognitive complexity patterns were not associated with high emotional exhaustion. Higher work complexity pattern score was associated with more environmental stressors (p=0.009), but there was no association between overall complexity of care or cognitive complexity pattern and environmental stressors. Interventions that reduce environmental stressors might reduce work complexity of care.
authors.affiliation: 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44095. Electronic address: solomod1@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.affiliation: 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44095.
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Singleton
authors.affiliation: Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, 44095.
authors.forename: Zhiyuan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, 44095.
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zell
authors.affiliation: 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44095.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vriezen
authors.affiliation: Office of Research and Innovation in the Nursing Institute of Cleveland Clinic Health System, Cleveland, Ohio, 44095. Electronic address: albertn@ccf.org.
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Albert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Cognitive complexity; Emotional exhaustion; Role complexity; Role responsibilities; Work complexity