Nurse resilience

Background: Nursing is categorised as a highly stressful occupation (Mark and Smith 2011). Low morale, stress and compassion fatigue are major consequences of healthcare workplace adversity, which has a negative impact on care (Boorman, 2009). Staff wellbeing is an important antecedent of patient care performance. Individual and organisational professional and personal challenges as well as support available (Maben, 2012) are inextricably linked to nurses’ ability to deliver compassionate care. Resilience is known to buffer the negative effects of stress through behaviours that facilitate adaptation in the context of adversity, resulting in the ability to function above the norm in spite of significant stress (Masten 2001). Resilience potentially can positively influence the health and well-being of nurses and subsequent nursing care (for example Zander et al 2010). Limited research exists that examines the nexus of nurses’ resilience and workplace environments. Aim: To provide novel insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic influences, that shape the resilience of nurses, in Wales. Methods: Mixed methods two phased approach, a survey followed by case studies in three diverse settings; utilising focus groups and individual semi structured interviews. This presentation will focus upon Phase 1, the survey. Between October 2016 and November 2016, registered nurses in Wales were invited to complete an on line/paper based questionnaire, devised for the study; exploring their views about resilience and their work environments. Over 1450 nurses participated; responses were descriptively analysed utilising Smart Survey software, Statistical Package for Social Scientists (V23) and Microsoft Word. Results: Findings from the survey within the context of recent research and policy as well as the implications for the Phase 2 case studies, will be reported. Conclusion: The unique findings will inform practice, education, policy and research of what works well and what could work better to develop resilience of nurses in Wales. To be applied more broadly to influence the health of other nurses and so in turn, their patients