An Association among Verbal Abuse, Social Support and Turnover Intention for Special Unit Nurses in a Hospital / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Nurses' turnover has a negative influence on the nursing staff, as well as on the hospital organization as a whole. In an effort to reduce the turnover of nurses, the conditions causing turnover intentions can be identified and managed. The research is conducted to identify the association among verbal abuse, social support, and turnover intentions for special unit nurses. METHODS: A survey was conducted in 105 registered nurses who worked in the following areas at Kyonggi province hospital: operating room, intensive care unit, and anesthesia department. The questionnaires included questions in the following areas: verbal abuse by doctors, supervisors, and colleagues social supports by supervisors and colleagues and turnover intention. The survey was distributed and analyzed based on nurses' responses. RESULTS: Operating room nurses had the highest turn over intentions. The verbal abuse by doctors and supervisors were highest in the operating room. Verbal abuse by supervisors had a significantly positive association with turnover intentions. Verbal abuse by doctors and by colleagues was not associated with the intention to leave. Finally, the social support by supervisors had a significant negative association with turnover intentions. Social supports by colleagues did not affect turnover intentions. CONCLUSIONS: For nurses working at special units, verbal abuse and social support by supervisors had a significant association with turnover intentions. It is important for supervisors to make an effort to reduce nurses' turnover intentions by reducing verbal abuse and by increasing social support.

ED OVERCROWDING AND SPECIAL UNIT FOR OBSERVATION

Overcrowding of emergency departments is a growing problem. Delays in admitting patients to inpatient units have been reported as a contributing factor to overcrowding. Overcrowding in ED results in many patients not receiving needed care and impairs the ability of the ED provider to meet the needs of those patients that are treated. The effect of the critically ill patients on the overcrowded emergency department make emergency physicians frustrated. So we created 'the special unit for observation' of critically ill patients and managed them continuously and closely. The special unit for observation have 4 physical beds and monitors and 2 ventilators. One nurse and senior ED residents were asigned to the management of the patients in the special unit. 160 patients(3.4% of all ED visits) admitted to special unit during the period of March 1, 1996 to May 31, 1996. we could continue assessment and management of critically ill patients without psychologic strain or burnout generated by overcrowding. We think that special unit for critically ill patients is a very effective alternative to overcrowded ED.