Problem Statement

The problem is unmanaged stress in nurses is linked to burnout which may negatively impact quality of patient care and outcomes (Fletcher & French, 2021; Lake et al., 2019; Schlack et al. 2021).The consequences of this lack of support are reflected not only in the levels of emotional exhaustion reported by nurses but also in the broader impact on patient outcomes. Poor job satisfaction, medical errors, and the heightened psychological distress among nurses are indicators of a larger systemic issue that demands urgent attention (Sangal et al., 2021). The relationship between staff nurses and nurse managers/leaders is particularly important when examining stress and burnout (Cunningham & Cayir, 2021, Fletcher & French, 2021). Numeric ratings from a survey of 1,780 RNs indicated that supervisor support and quality of supervision were lowest for nurse managers (Fletcher & French, 2021). Fletcher and French (2021) handwritten comments from 509 (28.6 percent) of RNs clarified these ratings by noting the following problems: (a) inadequate unit leadership and the frequent turnover of nurse managers, (b) insufficient physical presence of the supervisor on the unit, (c) failure to address problems, too much sweeping issues aside or not even being aware they exist, and (d) modest awareness of numerous staffing issues.

The literature reveals a link between workplace stress and burnout among nurses and the subsequent negative impact on patient outcomes (Schlak et al., 2021; Fletcher & French, 2021). Personal characteristics such as neuroticism, external locus of control, and anxiety, along with problematic interpersonal relationships, contribute to the vulnerability of nurses to burnout. While studies underscore the pivotal role of nurse managers, the prevailing management styles often marked by inadequate leadership, frequent turnover, and insufficient support, further exacerbate the problem. Addition to the connection between nurse managers and staff nurse stressors, these studies also reflected the demanding role of today's nurse managers who are often responsible for multiple patient care areas (Fletcher & French, 2021). However, only two studies were identified between 1995 and 2005 in which burnout was assessed in nurse managers and nurse administrators. The shortage of studies assessing burnout in nurse managers between 1995 and 2005 raises concerns about the insufficient attention given to those in leadership positions, despite the critical influence nurse managers have on the well-being of staff nurses. The demanding nature of nurse manager roles, coupled with limited research, suggests a potential gap in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by managerial personnel. The gap in the literature review clearly indicates for the need of intervention to address these systemic deficiencies and improve working conditions for nurses, ensuring optimal patient care quality.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this proposed qualitative participatory action research study is to explore strategies to mitigate stress and burnout among nurses. The geographical location for the planned study is the Northeast region. The study results may help healthcare leaders with ways to support nurses in managing stress and burnout in the workplace.

Assignment

Based on the above problem and purpose statements:

• Choose and list at least three variables (Hint: choose two independent and one dependent), along with the associated survey question and response choices.
• Create a research question using all three of your variables.
• Create a null and alternative hypothesis that supports your research question.