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.

中文翻译：

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了解职业压力对澳大利亚农村老年护理工作者的性质和影响

本研究探讨了职业压力对澳大利亚农村老年护理提供者雇用的直接护理工作者的性质和影响。职业压力的工作需求-资源 (JD-R) 模型为指导这一定性调查提供了理论框架。对直接护理人员进行了一系列四次 FG（n = 23)，他们报告了他们的工作需求、工作资源和个人资源。直接护理人员确定了与工作需求相关的六个主题：时间压力、体力需求、障碍需求、员工组合不足、应对复杂条件的培训不足和工作时间表需求。确定了与工作资源相关的四个主题：与同事合作、设备、发展机会和工作时间表控制。性情和自我护理被确定为老年护理人员必要的个人资源。虽然通用 JD-R 问卷涵盖了许多相关的工作场所特征，但该工作组的进一步调查还应考虑纳入与轮班工作、性格和自我照顾相关的项目。