Abstract
Intensive care units are stressful environments with a high staff burnout rate. Many pediatricians have expressed career dissatisfaction. The 127 members of the critical care section of the American Academy of Pediatrics were surveyed on career information and practice patterns. Attitudinal scales previously validated with physicians were used. For the 55 respondents (42% of those surveyed), half or more of their time was spent in critical care hy 42 (76%).
Pediatrics as a career was dissatisfying to 29% of pediatric intensivists, a much higher proportion than found in academic pediatricians. Many, whether satisfied or not, reported feeling stressed (91%) or tense (66%). Those who had been defendants in malpractice suits were more likely to be dissatisfied and tense (p<.05). Those at Children's Hospitals were more often in a group practice and satisfied (p <.03) Intensive care was dissatisfying as a career for 22%. Despite their salary (mean of $99,000, SD $45,000) being greater than in academic pediatrics, intensivists most frequently cited financial reasons as a basis for dissatisfaction. Excessive work demands were also frequently listed. The hours worked in house (60h/wk) were greater than the national average of hours worked for physicians.
Prior studies showed that time spent in various activities relates to satisfaction. Patient care occupied 47% of pediatric intensivists' time. They feel professionally growing (74%) in their careers and spent time in both research (13%) and administration (18%).
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McKinley, D., Holbrook, P., Jewett, L. et al. CAREER SATISFACTION IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVISTS. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 203 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00224
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00224