Data collection
The quantitative study aimed to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in senior nursing students (Oliveira, Caregnato & Câmara, 2012). Data were collected through descriptive and quantitative methods. The study used the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey (MBI-SS) instrument to collect data from the 42 students who participated in the study. The study participants were required to answer 15 questions categorized into 3 general scales. The scales were lack of personalization, personal achievements, and emotional exhaustion. The questions were contained in questionnaires.
It could have been important to replace the 13 students who opted out of the study because the number represented about 42% of the initial sample size (Oliveira et al., 2012). The smaller number of study participants could imply that statistical power was not achieved because the sample was not representative of the population. To minimize the disadvantages linked with the use of questionnaires, the study could have used other methods of data collection and compared the data. It has been found that study respondents could fill in wrong information in questionnaires because they have the freedom to write their responses. On the other hand, the use of observation could imply that researchers observe and record what they see. The researchers could have observed the study participants while they performed their duties and attended classes. In addition, the study could have used more scales to define Burnout Syndrome. This could have given a clear difference between depression and Burnout Syndrome.
Data analysis
Coded data were entered into the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 17.0 (Oliveira et al., 2012). The statistical software was used to compute the averages for categorical variables and continuous variables. The Student’s t-test was used to determine the association among the averages. The results were statistically significant only when the p-value was less than 0.05 (Oliveira et al., 2012).
The study used a good p-value to measure the significance of the results. The use of the Student’s t-test to compare the means was important for the study because the sample size required the use of parametric statistical tests. Parametric tests assume that the sample mean lies close to the median of the data. Thus, such a mean could be used to infer about the population. However, the study could have used other tests to learn more about the data analyzed. It could have been essential to determine the differences between the expected means and observed means. The study authors did not give the values of the expected means.
Implications of the study
The study found that the participants without paid jobs had more chances of developing emotional exhaustion (they had a higher mean of exhaustion) than those who were on the payroll. It was demonstrated that study participant who was depersonalized provided insensitive care to patients (Oliveira et al., 2012). Thus, the study demonstrates that Burnout Syndrome negatively impacts nursing care.
The study findings are essential for nursing leaders in nursing schools and hospitals. Measures should be implemented to ensure that nursing students and nurses are not depersonalized and emotionally exhausted. Implementing the measures will go a long way in improving the quality of nursing care offered to patients in healthcare institutions. Nursing leaders should always ensure that nursing students and nurses are emotionally satisfied and personalized.
Reference
Oliveira, R. D., Caregnato, R. C. A., & Câmara, S. G. (2012). Burnout syndrome in senior undergraduate nursing. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem, 25(2), 54-60.