Grief Experiences of CNAs: Relationships with Burnout and Turnover

Abstract

The deaths of nursing home residents can significantly affect staff members. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate whether work-related grief contributes to burnout and turnover in certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Participants (N=136) from 12 nursing homes completed self-administered surveys. Regression analyses revealed that complications from grief can contribute to burnout, whereas positive reactions to grief can protect CNAs from burnout. Grief was not found to be a significant predictor of turnover; however, grief may have a more complex, indirect influence on turnover than had been anticipated.