Empatia jako czynnik przeciwdziałający wypaleniu zawodowemu pielęgniarek nefrologicznych

Abstract

In order to perform their duties properly, nephrology nurses need to respond correctly to the needs of their patients. The skill which makes it possible is empathy. A high level of empathy is also linked to choosing positive strategies of coping with stress. Remaining in constant contact with patients, a low prestige of the profession and low pay cause nurses to experience stress, which may lead to developing the burnout syndrome. The aim of the research pre­sented herewith was to determine whether empathy is connected to coping strategies and burnout. Three tools were used in the study: Interpersonal Reactivity Index by M.H. Davis (IRI), Burnout Inventory by Ch. Maslach (MBI) and Multidimensional Coping Strategy Inventory (COPE). The study group com­prised of 134 nurses working at nephrology depart­ments or dialysis units in the following provinces: Małopolskie, Mazowieckie and Śląskie. A signifi­cant, positive correlation was observed in the study group between personal sadness and an increased perceived level of emotional burnout. It was also observed that the higher the results on the perspec­tive adoption scale, the lower the depersonalisaton index. It was observed that a lesser sense of loss of personal accomplishments was connected with higher scores on the perspective adoption scale. Moreover, a correlation was found between empa­thetic care and positive coping strategies, such as seeking emotional support and acceptance. No sig­nificant correlation was found between age and job burnout or coping strategy.