Browsing by Author "Jonas, Lindill"

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    Absenteeism in district rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape : the experiences of nurses
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Jonas, Lindill; Anthonie, Ramona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Absenteeism is a global concern that has a negative impact on employees, patients and the organization. Whilst absenteeism is exacerbated by working conditions such as resources (human, equipment), rural communities have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions than their urban counterparts which increases the workload. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of nurses in district rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to: - Gain understanding of nurses’ experience of absenteeism at the workplace. - Explore the influence of intrinsic factors on absenteeism as experienced by nurses. - Explore the influence if extrinsic factors on absenteeism as experienced by nurses. A descriptive qualitative design was applied. A sample size of 12 was drawn from a total population of 183 at three participating hospitals, using purposive sampling. A pilot interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide based on the study’s objectives. Credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability was assured by using Lincoln and Cuba’s criteria of trustworthiness. All ethical principles were met. Seven themes emerged from data analysis, i.e., managing human resources, work planning and scheduling, job dissatisfaction and workload, diminished patient care, staff well-being, relationship building amid absenteeism and strategies for managing absenteeism. The findings support Hertzberg’s theory on motivation factors regarding what motivates workers to perform well and not be absent from work. Hygiene factors such as heavy workload, lack of equipment, benefits and support staff, poor co-worker relationships as well as inconsistent implementation of policies all contributed to job dissatisfaction and ultimately absenteeism. As a result, human resource policies and practices should be revised and implemented to provide a more supportive work environment to reduce absenteeism.