Supervision in Nursing : Latvian sample study

Abstract

Burnout is a work related mental health impairment comprising three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment. Preventing and reducing work related burnout is of great importance not only with regard to the quality of life of those affected or endangered, but also for preventing the economic losses which come about as a result of absenteeism and job turnover. Supervision is known to be one of protective factors of burnout and professional effectiveness. Purpose of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supervision of nurses practicing in mental health hospital in Latvia aimed at preventing burnout. To measure burnout we used Maslach's 22-item Burnout Inventory (MBI). It is the well-studied measurement of burnout in the literature. MBI assesses emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and the lack of personal achievement. Study sample included 60 registered and practicing mental health nurses, sample was divided in 2 groups - one who were provided with group and individual supervision (n=30), and the second - control group (n=30). The experimental group received 8 sessions of supervision. The levels of burnout were assessed 2 times for each nurse - before and after supervision sessions. The data show that there is a statistically significant difference between emotional exhaustion and depersonalization indicators within experimental group participants before and after the supervisions as well as between experimental group and control group indicators after supervisions. Supervisions reduced burnout indicators in experimental group compared to control group. Supervision also was helpful for nurses to understand better themselves, their emotions and behavioral aspects of the various work issues.