Commitment As A Function of Stress Reactions Among Nurses: A Model of Psychological Evaluations of Work Settings

Unionized nurses in Nova Scotia (N = 906) completed questionnaires measuring organizational commitment, burnout, social support, and various aspects of work settings. Regression analyses established that both stressors and supports from social and nonsocial aspects of organizations are independently associated with the way workers evaluate their work settings. The analysis also indicated that the various nursing specialities are associated with distinct organizational stressors and supports. Directions for further studies assessing the results of planned interventions on these factors are necessary to develop work settings which are more conducive to professional development in nursing and avoiding burnout.