Veterinary nurses' psychological well-being: The impact of patient suffering and death

ObjectivePreliminary evidence suggests veterinary nurses are an at-risk population for high levels of occupational stress. This study sought to advance knowledge of occupational stress in this under-researched professional group by applying the Job Demands-Resources model to assess predictors of psychological strain, work-related burnout, and work engagement. MethodResearch participants consisted of 144 veterinary nurses employed within one Australian state (response rate of 41%). Data were obtained via an anonymous self-report questionnaire. All research participation was voluntary. ResultsAnalyses indicated the mean level of work-related burnout in this sample exceeded that of normative samples in human health-care professions. We also found that although both generic and occupation-specific job demands were significantly associated with levels of psychological strain and burnout, generic job demands accounted for a greater proportion of variance. Only direct effects were produced for the association of both workplace social support and job control with work engagement; no evidence was found for the moderating effects of these two job resources. ConclusionsThe findings both validate and challenge the tenets of the Job Demands-Resources explanation of occupation stress. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.