Factors influencing absebteeism [sic] amongst professional nurses in London

Abstract

This quantitative explorative, descriptive study described factors that influenced absenteeism among nurses in a selected NHS hospital in London. The survey used self-completion questionnaires. Roy’s Adaptation Model was used to contextualise the results obtained from fifty completed questionnaires. Four modes used to categorise the data analysis were physiological needs, self-concept, and role function and interdependence relations. Minor ailments, upper respiratory tract infections and exhaustion as a result of working long hours were found to be the most important causes of absenteeism. Parental responsibilities and taking care of sick children/family members, further influenced rates of absenteeism, while a high workload was considered by respondents as a major contributing factor to their absence from work. Nurses who are often absent due to physical, social or psychological problems should receive counselling and be referred to appropriate resource persons such as occupational nurses, social workers or psychologists. Child care facilities should be provided within the workplace. The units should have adequate staff to cover each shift and workloads should be manageable. Units need ongoing monitoring of absenteeism so that factors contributing to absenteeism rates in specific units could be identified and addressed.