Stress and Other Experiences of Volunteering In Nursing: A Q Methodologic Study

Abstract

Introduction

The concept of volunteerism is an act of giving time, energy and talent to an organization without monetary compensation. It is an admirable and noble duty(Palaypay, 2012) and brings out a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Also, it becomes an indispensable resource that has made a difference in both the public and private sectors (Caracciado, 2003). Consequently, the Volunteer Act of 2007 of the Philippine Constitution stipulates that organizations implementing volunteer programs must provide recognition and incentive packages like allowances and insurances for the volunteers. However, Dalog and Ong (2011) stated that this is not what is happening in the Philippines (Calonzo, 2011). Many hospitals are implementing nurse volunteerism in the guise of 'training programs' to defend training fees (Pacquiz, 2011 as cited in "Volunteer Nurse", 2011; Barcelo, 2011 as cited in Barawid, 2011; Dizon 2011) ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 pesos in exchange with six to eight months training ("Health Chief Orders", 2011).

Methods

Q methodology is used as a research design to explore the diversities of responses about the topic of the study. There were forty (40) nurse volunteers who were able to rank q-set with 42 statements using a 9-point scale ranging from -4 (mostly disagree) to +4 (mostly agree). The rankings made by the respondents were factors analyzed using Centroid and Varimax rotation.

Results

The distinguishing elements in each viewpoint are surprising and suggest that stress and other experiences in volunteering in nursing can be viewed in many possible ways. The views about the stress and other experiences of volunteering in nursing as a continued life of a student due to financial dependence to parents, that it brings both positive and negative experiences, that is it is optimistic and pessimistic viewed, that it leads to a sense of exploitation and opens a break to shift career are consistent with the different literature pertaining about the stress and other experiences of volunteering in nursing.

Discussion

This study disclosed six distinct perceptions regarding stress and other experiences of volunteering in nursing. Volunteering in nursing is the continued life of a student due to financial dependence on parents; it brings both positive and negative experiences, viewed with optimism and pessimism by the respondents, leads to a sense of exploitation and opens a break to shift careers.