A cross-sectional study examining factors related to critical thinking in nursing.

The purpose of this study was to examine critical thinking skills among registered nurses who work in a military hospital. Sixty-five nurses were administered the Health Sciences Reasoning Test to obtain scores in inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, interpretation, analysis, and evaluation skills. Results showed no significant association between critical thinking skills and years of experience; however, differences were identified among racial/ethnic groups. It is hoped that findings from this study create a platform for dialogue among staff development nurses who are best situated to develop strategies that address these issues.

Comparison of nurse burnout across Army hospital practice environments.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the nursing practice environment and burnout of nursing personnel assigned to a deployed combat support hospital (CSH). A secondary aim was to compare differences in the level of burnout between the deployed Army nursing personnel and Army nursing personnel assigned to an Army hospital in the United States that served as the U.S. military's primary referral center for American combat casualties evacuated from Iraq. DESIGN: A nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used for this study. METHODS: The Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Practice Environment Scale were administered to 105 personnel who deployed with a CSH to Iraq. Data from this study were linked to data obtained from 152 nursing personnel who participated in an earlier burnout study at a large Army hospital in the United States. The linked datasets yielded a final sample of 257 Army nursing personnel. Analysis of variance and linear regression analysis were used to analyze these data. FINDINGS: Emotional exhaustion was common across groups. For the deployed nursing personnel, emotional exhaustion was related to a perceived lack of support from management, foundations for quality of care, collegial relationships, and extended work schedules. The U.S.-based Army hospital group scored significantly higher emotional exhaustion, but it was related to the additional responsibilities associated with being an Army nurse, working extended schedules, and working with combat casualties for extended periods of time. The U.S.-based group perceived more personal accomplishment from the work they do. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout was common across Army hospital settings. Emotional exhaustion was most problematic in the U.S.-based Army hospital; however, there was less cynicism toward patients and a greater perception of personal accomplishment associated with work. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the importance of a professional practice environment for Army nursing personnel both during deployment and in U.S.-based Army hospitals.

Nursing burnout: cross-sectional study at a large Army hospital.

The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of burnout among U.S. Army and civilian nursing personnel assigned to a large military treatment facility. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of eligible participants (n = 364) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory. T-test and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze data. Findings suggest that both groups were experiencing a moderate level of burnout. However, civilian nursing personnel demonstrated statistical lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Findings suggest that nursing personnel who worked the day shift, no more than 8 hours a day and had fewer patient care contacts with military personnel injured in Iraq or Afghanistan reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. This study provides ideas for policy changes at medical treatment facilities that are experiencing similar challenges.