Presenteeism: Nurse perceptions and consequences

Abstract

Aims To describe factors leading to and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Background Presenteeism is more prevalent among nurses than other occupational groups. Existing literatures focuses on prevalence and consequences of presenteeism for patients, health care organizations, and nurses. However, we lack understanding of nurse perceptions of factors leading to and consequences of presenteeism. Methods A total of 295 free responses to a cross-sectional survey were analysed using conventional content analysis. Results Nurses consider multiple factors in deciding how to respond when presentee. These include illness, staffing, availability of leave time, patients, financial constraints and guilt. Consequences of presenteeism identified were decreased mental acuity and attitude leading to lessened communication both in-person and in documentation, transmission of illness, and decline in unit culture, patient care, and nurse health and well-being. Conclusions Multiple factors lead to nurse presenteeism and there are negative consequences to nurses' health, work environment and patient care outcomes. Implications for Nursing Management This study leads to key discoveries to the reasons for and consequences of nurse presenteeism. Many of the factors leading to presenteeism can be addressed through culture and policy changes within organizations. The consequences to patient care outcomes and the work environment emphasize the importance of addressing presenteeism.