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Conceptualization of Burnout From the Perspective of the Neuman Systems Model

Due to an incomplete match between Neumans definition of the core response and proposed examples, the core response has been interpreted as solely physiological in nature. As a result, the majority of Neuman systems model-based research has focused on either identification of stressors or the relations between stressors, the flexible line of defense, and normal line of defense invasion while the core response has been largely neglected. The purpose of this paper is to argue for a broader conceptualization of the core response as any and/or all of the person variables proposed by Neuman. The burnout process, which is both psychological and spiritual in nature, was developed as a core response exemplar.

Influence of Workplace Bullying on Turkish Nurses’ Psychological Distress and Nurses’ Reactions to Bullying

Purpose: The study aims to determine the influence of bullying on nurses’ psychological distress. Design: A descriptive design was adopted. The study sample included 284 nurses of a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey. The Workplace Bullying Behavior Scale and the General Health Questionnaire were used. Results: After the study was completed, it was determined that nurses with a master’s degree were exposed to bullying more and that nurses exposed to bullying suffered higher levels of psychological distress and preferred to keep silent about it. Perpetrators of bullying were mainly head nurses. Discussion/Conclusions: Bullying is a common workplace phenomenon, and in most cases, nurses bully each other. Bullied nurses suffer more psychological distress. Implications: Managers of health care institutions should always remember that nurses have a higher risk of exposure to bullying and that measures should be taken to support nurses.

Experiences of Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Cancer is a disease which affects not only patients but also their families physically and emotionally. The purpose of this study was to determine the needs, challenges and ways of coping of caregivers of cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the study, a phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The study sample comprised 16 family members providing care for a cancer patient. RESULTS The study findings are grouped under four main themes: the impact of caregiving, masking feelings, experienced challenges and expectations, and coping. During the caregiving process, patient relatives are affected physiologically, psychologically and socially. It was determined that patient relatives hid their feelings and avoided talking about the disease for fear that they might upset the patient, and that they had difficulty in coping with the patients reactions during the treatment process. Family members had difficulties arising from the health system, hospital conditions and treatment in addition to transportation and financial problems. Support is very important in coping, but it was determined that some of the relatives of patients did not receive adequate support. Patient relatives expect that health care professionals should provide them with more information about their patients condition and the course of the disease that their patients should be dealt with by the physicians specialized in cancer, and that psychological support should be provided both for them and for their patient. CONCLUSIONS During the caregiving process, family members are faced with many difficulties and they exhibit different coping behaviors which health care professionals should take into account.

Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Turkey

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the experiences of women in Turkey during the diagnostic phase of breast cancer. Design: In the research, the phenomenological approach was used. The data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews. The sample comprised nine breast cancer patients in the diagnostic phase. Results: The data were categorized into four themes: facing the breast cancer diagnosis, uncertainty, avoidance, and holding on to life. Women experience intense uncertainty about the disease, treatment, and social relationships and thus exhibit avoidance behavior. Implications: Nurses should be aware of psychosocial difficulties suffered during the diagnostic phase and provide care for patients. It is important that nurses provide information about the diagnostic phase to women with breast cancer and encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.

Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout Among Muslim Nurses Caring for Chronically Ill Children in a Turkish Hospital

Purpose: This study investigated secondary traumatic stress and its relationship to burnout among nurses working at a Turkish hospital. Design: A mixed-methods design included a cross-sectional survey administering the Professional Quality of Life instrument and Maslach Burnout Inventory to 106 nurses. Interviews with a subgroup of eight participants explored nurses’ experiences and coping strategies related to caring for chronically ill pediatric patients. Results: High risk levels of secondary traumatic stress existed among 40.6% participants, and those over the age of 40 years were at greater risk. Two main interview themes emerged that identified (a) consequences and (b) coping strategies while caring for chronically ill children. Nurses experience emotional burdens and may purposefully distance themselves from chronically ill children. Social support from nurse colleagues and spiritual beliefs assist coping. Implications: Workplaces should acknowledge stressors inherent in chronic pediatric nursing care. Environments that welcome spiritual practices and actively encourage social support could address job hazards.

Diabetes Self-care Views of Individuals With Severe Mental Illness and Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and of Those Only With Type 2 Diabetes

HIGHLIGHTSPatients with severe mental illness and diabetes has difficulty in coping psychiatric symptoms and side effects of drugs.Nurses should support to patients coping with psychiatric symptoms and drug side effects.Nurses should plan initiatives that will support and motivate to patients in developing good self‐care activities.

Work Stress and Emotional Exhaustion in Nurses: The Mediating Role of Internal Locus of Control

Background: Burnout is a major problem for nursing. There is a strong relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion. Although studies report a negative correlation between the internal locus of control and emotional exhaustion and work stress, the number of studies available on the subject is limited. Purpose: This study intends to examine the extent to which the relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion is mediated by nurses’ internal locus of control. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. The study sample consisted of 347 nurses who worked in a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey and who agreed to participate in the study. The Work-Related Strain Inventory was used to evaluate the nurses’ work stress level, Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to evaluate their emotional exhaustion levels, and the Locus of Control Scale was used to evaluate the internal locus of control. The variables of the study were based on the Neuman Systems Model. Results: Work stress was positively related to internal locus of control (β = .21, p < .001), which was, in turn, negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (β = −.03, p > 0.1). Internal locus of control was negatively related to emotional exhaustion (β = −.14, p < .001). Work stress is directly (β = .87, p < .001) and indirectly related to emotional exhaustion (mediated by internal locus of control β = .84, p < .001). Work stress is directly (β = .87, p < .001) and indirectly related to emotional exhaustion (mediated by internal locus of control, β = .84, p < .001). Conclusion: Although the relationship between emotional exhaustion and work stress was mediated, the impact of internal locus of control was limited. It is recommended that different variables be included in future studies so that they can mediate the relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion.

Predictor effect of Locus Of Control (LOC) on self-care activities and metabolic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Background Previous studies have examined the role of individuals’ personal characteristics in diabetes management and used the locus of control theory to assess adherence to a diabetes management regimen. These studies have emphasized that having internal locus of control may be a protective factor in diabetes management. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the predictor effect of locus of control on self-care activities and A1c level. Method The study is descriptive and relational. Researchers used a Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale and a Locus of Control Scale to collect data. The study sample consisted of 129 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Results The average score of locus of control of individuals with diabetes was 10.26, and the frequency of self-care activities in the past week was 2.9 days. A weak but statistically significant negative relation was found between the locus of control level and self-care activities of individuals with diabetes, which had no effect on A1c. It was determined that locus of control predicts 19% of self-care activities. Conclusion According to the study results, having internal locus of control had positive effects on self-care activities. Training and planning activities to improve internal locus of control can improve diabetes management.

The views and habits of the individuals with mental illness about physical activity and nutrition

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine the views and habits of the individuals with mental illness on physical activities and nutrition behaviors. DESIGN AND METHODS This study was carried out descriptive qualitative method. The sample of the study consisted of 15 individuals with mental illness. The data were collected with Socio-Demographic Information Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form and analyzed by content analysis. FINDINGS Four main themes emerged as the result of the analysis of the data. These themes are the barriers, facilitators, habits, and the needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Mental health nurses should be aware of the barriers of individuals with mental illness. It is recommended that mental health nurses make interventions to encourage patients to have physical activity and healthy eating.

Determination of physical health status and healthy lifestyle behaviors of individuals with mental illness

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine the physical health status and healthy lifestyle behaviors of individuals with mental illness. DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive research design was used. The sample of the study consisted of 115 individuals with mental illness. The Health Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II was used to assess the healthy lifestyle behaviors of the participants. FINDINGS Of the individuals, 49.6% were found to have metabolic syndrome. Individuals with mental illness obtained the lowest score from the physical activity dimension of the scale. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Individuals with mental illness need to receive education and support, especially in terms of nutrition and exercise.