The Hidden Injuries of Bureaucracy: Work in an American Nursing Home
- 1 September 1995
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Human Organization
- Vol. 54 (3) , 229-237
- https://doi.org/10.17730/humo.54.3.g5350404082264q3
Abstract
This article analyzes the tensions and contradictions in nursing home bureaucracies. Bureaucratic rules are essential for administrative efficiency and to reduce the potential for neglect and abuse of patients. These are especially critical given the complex requirements of modern medical care and state regulations. At the same time, as my field research reveals, bureaucratic rules can interfere with a key goal of nursing homes as they stand in the way of aides' ability to provide compassionate and supportive care.Keywords
This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:
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- Making Gray GoldPublished by University of Chicago Press ,1992
- Defensive work in nursing homes: Accountability gone amokSocial Science & Medicine, 1989
- Nursing Home Housekeepers: Indigenous Agents of Psychosocial SupportHuman Organization, 1981