Burnout and job satisfaction among haemodialysis nurses

¶ … daunting undertaking, in large part due to the statistical tests and complex language involved (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007). Whatever the case, the results of the analysis must be presented in a clear, readable manner, often with the use of tables, graphs, and charts. In Hayes, Douglas & Bonner's (2015) article, data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), a common data analysis tool. The results were presented with the help of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Measures of central tendency such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation as well as tables and graphs were used to present data relating to demographic characteristics, work environments, job stress, job satisfaction, and burnout. T-tests, ANOVAs, and correlation analyses were then conducted to explore relationships between nurse and work environment characteristics, job stress, job satisfaction, and burnout.

The study found that there were high levels of burnout amongst the participants despite an acceptably high level of job satisfaction and positive perception of the work environment. It was further found that younger nurses and those with a shorter working duration were more likely to experience stress and burnout compared to older and more experienced nurses. The study also found a strong correlation between high contentment with the job environment and satisfaction with work, reduced job stress, and psychological exhaustion.

The proportion of the sample that took part in the study is a vital aspect in determining the reliability and validity of a study, and hence its generalizability (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007). Generally, at least 50% of the sample should participate in the study if response bias is to be minimized or avoided (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007). In Hayes, Douglas & Bonner's (2015) study, there was a 78% completion rate. This is a sufficient response rate. There is, therefore, strong reliability and validity of the findings. Validity was further enhanced by considering statistical significance as P < 0.05 for each analysis.

Discussion

The results sections should be followed by a logical discussion of the findings, with clear reference to the research problem and the literature review (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007). The discussion section in Hayes, Douglas & Bonner's (2015) article clearly provides literature to support the results of the study. From the discussion, it is evident that burnout is a major problem amongst haemodialysis nurses despite a favorable work environment and desirable job satisfaction levels. Therefore, it is recommended that haemodialysis units put measures in place to address nurse burnout. In addition, further research is required to understand other aspects that may affect job satisfaction, stress, and burnout among nurses, such as nurse-patient relations.

Global Issues

Overall, Hayes, Douglas & Bonner's (2015) article is presented in an academically acceptable manner. There is evident attention to idea organization, grammar, concise, and scholarly language. In addition, the qualifications of the authors clearly indicate that they have extensive knowledge of the research subject. The three authors have teaching and research experience in the field of nursing, and are affiliated to reputable institutions of higher learning in Australia. The article also offers a strong conclusion that clearly captures the research problem, the findings of the study, and implications for practice.

Qualitative Article Critique

Discussion

Similar to quantitative research, qualitative research should also have a section for discussing and interpreting the findings. In Ahanchian, Meshkinyazd & Soudmand's (2015) article, this section provides a comprehensive discussion of the findings, with clear reference to the research problem and the literature review. The discussion section also provides recommendations for practice, clearly stating the need for burnout interventions targeting behavioral, social, and work aspects; and for increased attention to the problem of burnout on the part of the management.

Global Issues

Overall, the conclusion provides a fairly strong summary of the article, clearly capturing the research problem, the findings of the study, and implications for practice. In addition, the presentation of article follows the standard layout for a qualitative article. Furthermore, the qualifications of the authors demonstrate fair knowledge of the subject area. Nonetheless, one of the authors is a Master's student, while another one is a Phd student, meaning limited research experience. More fundamentally, there are numerous grammatical errors as well as little attention to scholarly language. This reduces the credibility of the article.