Predictors of job strain in residential dementia care nursing staff

Aim To identify predictors of job strain in residential nursing care staff working with people with dementia. Background It is well known that nursing staff experience high levels of stress, but less is known about how to predict job strain. Methods The job strain of nursing care staff (n = 344) within residential dementia care settings was assessed. Standard linear regression analysis was used to explore predictors of job strain. Result Data from the study shows that nursing staff in residential dementia care have a demanding job and experience high levels of strain. The linear regression model with four predictor variables explained 19% of the variability in job strain scores. Perceived caring climate of the unit, staff education level, possibilities to have discussions of difficulties and ethics at work and staff age, had a statistically significant association with job strain. Conclusions The caring climate, staff education, reflective practice and staff age can be used as screening variables when predicting job strain. Implications for nursing management These predictors can assist managers and directors to identify targeted strategies for supervision and support of nursing staff to secure their well-being, and by that securing the quality of care provided to residents.