Burn-out syndrome in Geriatric Center. Approach to the reality
G. J. Estévez Guerra, E. Fariña López, C. D. Marrero Medina, E. Núñez González, J. Bravo Martínez

SUMMARY

  The aim of the present was to study the prevalence of the burn-out syndrome in geriatric nursing staff. We describe the concept of burn-out, the consequences that it can have in the work and the instruments used for its measurement. The initial sample was made up of fifty subjects, nineteen of which remained in this study (38%). The length of time in the place of work was over one year.

  The most important results were: staff nursing had a good general health and they presented a moderate emotional depletion, but levels of "burn-out" were not found.

  The authors suggest that this situation is related to the sociolaboral circumstances. Also, we suggest that institutional policy in the care centers should attend the training, assessment and support to staff nursing to optimize the care of the elderly.

KEY WORDS

burn-out, laboral stress, nursing, elderly.

Vol. 13 nº3-2002