Can J Nurs Res. 2021 May 27:8445621211014421. doi: 10.1177/08445621211014421. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to describe and compare nurses’ perceptions of role conflict by professional designation [registered nurse (RN) vs registered practical nurse (RPN)] in three primary areas of practice (emergency department, medical unit, and surgical unit).
METHODS: This analysis used data (n = 1,981) from a large cross-sectional survey of a random sample of RNs and RPNs working as staff nurses in acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Role conflict was measured by the Role Conflict Scale.
RESULTS: A total of 1,981 participants (RN = 1,427, RPN = 554) met this study’s eligibility criteria and provided complete data. In general, RN and RPN mean total scale scores on role conflict hovered around the scale’s mid-point (2.72 to 3.22); however, RNs reported a higher mean score than RPNs in the emergency department (3.22 vs. 2.81), medical unit (2.95 vs 2.81) and surgical unit (2.90 vs 2.72). Where statistically significant differences were found, the effect sizes were negligible to medium in magnitude with the largest differences noted between RNs and RPNs working in the emergency department.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the need to implement strategies that diminish role conflict for both RNs and RPNs.
PMID:34042538 | DOI:10.1177/08445621211014421
