Exploring Work-Life Balance of Nursing Faculty: A Scoping Review

Introduction

Nursing is a profession that is demanding as it requires round-the-clock care for patients who are often in critical conditions. While the stress and burnout among nurses have been explored in various studies, little attention has been paid to the work-life balance of nursing faculty. In this scoping review, we aim to examine the existing literature on work-life balance among nursing faculty and understand the factors that can influence their work-life balance.

Factors Affecting Work-Life Balance of Nursing Faculty

The demands of nursing faculty jobs are diverse, and they may face various challenges like meeting deadlines, attending meetings, caring for patients, and managing home responsibilities. Moreover, the responsibility to teach and train students effectively also puts a tremendous burden on them. Some of the factors that can affect the work-life balance of nursing faculty are:

Workload and Time Management

Nursing faculty’s workload includes clinical practice, research activities, and teaching duties, which can overlap and create conflicting priorities. This workload requires effective time management strategies that enable meeting all responsibilities without sacrificing personal time.

Job Flexibility

The flexibility of scheduling can significantly influence the work-life balance of nursing faculty, making it easier for them to manage both their work and personal lives. With opportunities like remote work and flexible schedules, nursing faculty can balance their work and home responsibilities better.

Support from Administration and Co-Workers

Support from colleagues and administration is essential to ensure optimal work-life balance. Nursing faculty who receive support may have less stress and may be better equipped to manage their workload and have better job satisfaction.

Physical and Mental Health

Physical and mental health is essential for optimal work-life balance. Nursing faculty needs to prioritize their physical and mental health and work with their colleagues and administration to manage their workloads and responsibilities.

The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Nursing Faculty

The consequences of poor work-life balance can impact the physical and mental well-being of nursing faculty. An unbalanced life increases stress levels, which may lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety.

Moreover, work-life balance can impact the quality of work provided by nursing faculty. Job satisfaction and commitment to their jobs can be affected if the faculty feels overworked and unable to manage work and personal time effectively. A lack of balance can also go against the values that the nursing profession upholds, placing patients’ safety and care in jeopardy.

Conclusion

Work-life balance is a critical issue facing nursing faculty. Exploring factors that influence it can lead to identifying strategies and interventions that can help faculty manage their workload and responsibilities. Organizations and administration must take active steps to support nursing faculty to ensure optimal work-life balance, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, commitment, and better patient outcomes.