| Summary |
It is well established that women serve as the primary unpaid caregivers to dependent loved ones. Current demographic trends of increased longevity and delayed childbearing have produced a generation of women who are sandwiched between the needs of multiple generations. In addition, this generation of "women in the middle" are active and productive participants in the workforce. While many caregiving studies exist, few have addressed the multiple roles of women employed in the service industries, particularly the burgeoning health care system, which is traditionally a major employer of women. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the impact of multiple unpaid caregiving roles on the work lives of a population of 200 women, ages 35-55, who also provided professional caregiving services as employees of a complex health care system in Eastern North Carolina. Participants were recruited through the sponsorship of the system's Wellness Center, HealthQuest Horizon, and were asked to complete a 50 item questionnaire. Using descriptive techniques, responses were summarized. The usable response rate was 53%. A major finding was that while elements of role conflict were suggested, this sample of committed professional caregivers chose not to accommodate their work role. However, a noted disparity between quantitative and qualitative reports of role satisfaction, suggest a fragile balance in the lives of these "women in the middle". |
