An experience sampling analysis of the impact of video monitoring technology and in-person sitters on nurse burnout: the moderating effect of nurse commitment and mediating effect of emotional labor

Background: While it is established that video monitoring technology (compared with the use of in-person sitters) is a safe and cost-effective solution for hospitals, little is known about the impact of these approaches on nurses’ stress and well-being. Purpose: To compare the use of video monitoring technology and in-person sitters (likely a resource reallocated from nurses) for monitoring patients on nurses’ emotional labor and burnout. Method: An experience sampling method was conducted by surveying nurses twice a day for 3 weeks, resulting in 524 survey administrations provided by 74 nurses. The surveys included measures of daily video monitoring technology and in-person sitter use, emotional labor, emotional exhaustion, and nurse career commitment. Findings: There were positive effects from video monitoring technology and negative effects of in-person sitters on emotional labor and emotional exhaustion, particularly for nurses lower in commitment. Discussion: Hospital adoption of video monitoring technology has a positive impact on nurses compared with in-person sitter use.