Emotional Exhaustion and Workload Demands in Renal Social Work Practice

Abstract

This study examines the degree to which renal social workers experience emotional exhaustion and workload demands as a result of their professional practice in dialysis units. Mail survey data from a national sample of 809 respondents were used to make comparisons based on private versus public facility classification and level of involvement in specific job activities. Findings indicated that the respondents’ level of involvement in counseling, clerical and insurance activities was significantly related to their self-reported levels of emotional exhaustion and workload. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.