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JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT POLICY AND PRACTICE

Challenging, Intrinsic Factors that Affect the Longevity of Direct Care Staff

Who Work with Clients Possessing Intellectual Disabilities

Author(s): Michael W. Firmin, Heather M. Steiner, Ruth L. Firmin, Kara A. Nonnemacher

Citation: Michael W. Firmin, Heather M. Steiner, Ruth L. Firmin, Kara A. Nonnemacher, (2013) "Challenging, Intrinsic Factors that Affect the Longevity of Direct Care Staff Who Work with Clients Possessing Intellectual Disabilities," Journal of Management Policy and Practice, Vol. 14, Iss. 6, pp. 116 - 130

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

The present phenomenological, qualitative research study reports four challenging, intrinsic factors that

affect the longevity of direct care staff (DCS) who work with clients possessing intellectual disabilities

(ID). The sample of 28 DCS was drawn from two Midwestern residential facilities. First, participants

detailed the potent effects of burnout and the ever-present threat that this tendency poses. Participants

also described the importance of managing stress and its impact on burnout potential. Second,

participants shared policy changes which resulted in restricting the interactions between clients with ID

and direct-care staff—and their overall dissatisfaction with such restrictions. Additionally, participants

reported three frustrations they experienced relating to management. DCS shared perceptions that

administrative staff did not value their work, did not value their input, and that expectations held by

management were not grounded in reality. Finally, participants shared three character traits necessary

for successful long-term direct care work: flexibility, patience, and dedication.