Cognitive habituation and care practices

This study aims to explore the influence of habituation linked to seniority on the quality of nursing care in Tunisia. While professional experience is a lever of competence it is sometimes accompanied by emotional disengagement burdensome routine and progressive psychological fatigue. The results show that 60% of nurses with more than five years' seniority experience practice fatigue 52% find it difficult to maintain empathy and 37% are considering a change of department. These figures reveal the insidious effects of habituation on the nurse-caregiver relationship. Although it acts as a defense mechanism it can ultimately undermine the quality of care. What's more 74% of participants had never received training in managing emotional fatigue whereas 81% expressed a need for such training. The study underlines the importance of targeted support to prevent burnout. Valuing experience adapting HR policies and offering psychological support are all necessary levers for preserving the human commitment of caregivers and the quality of the bond with patients.