Understanding the nature and impact of occupational stress on Australian rural aged care workers

This study explored the nature and impact of occupational stress on direct‐care workers employed by aged care providers in rural Australia. The Job demands–Resources (JD‐R) model of occupational stress provided the theoretical framework to guide this qualitative investigation. A series of four FGs were conducted with direct‐care workers (n = 23), who reported their job demands, job resources and personal resources. Direct‐care workers identified six themes related to job demands: time pressure, physical demands, hindrance demands, an inadequate mix of staff, insufficient training to deal with complex conditions and work schedule demands. Four themes related to job resources were identified: collaboration with colleagues, equipment, opportunities for development and work schedule control. Disposition and self‐care were identified as necessary personal resources for aged care workers. While the generic JD‐R questionnaire captures many relevant workplace characteristics, further investigations with this work group should also consider the inclusion of items related to shift work, disposition and self‐care.