A correlative study of conservation of resources among Tipat Halav nurses in Israel

Objective: Public Health nurses have enabled Israel's mother and child health clinics, Tipat Halav (TH) to receive international recognition by the World Health Organization. Recruitment of nurses to work in these clinics is a long-term challenge. Design and Sample: This cross-sectional study with 186 TH nurses assessed stress factors, resource evaluation, level of burnout, and job satisfaction using Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, which was chosen because it offers practical tools for assessing the resources required to alleviate stress. Results: Nurses reported greater resource gain than resource loss (Mean [M] = 4.14, SD = 2 vs. M = 3.56, SD = 0.71) and a low level of burnout (M = 2.2, SD = 0.77). Stress was significantly correlated with level of burnout: (r = 0.38, p <001). Prominent components of resource loss in correlation with burnout were self-efficacy (r = 0.315, p <001) and sense of control (r = 0.339, p <001). Linear regression predictors of burnout were religious observance (β = -0.26, p <001), prevalence of stress factors (β = 0.25, p <001), and level of job satisfaction (β = -0.51, p =001). Conclusions: Identifying specific stressors and COR can help to enhance the work environment of TH nurses. Advanced Public Health training was related to increased COR gain and to reduction in COR loss and of burnout.