Occupational burnout in nurses: a concept analysis†
Abstract
Objective
This paper aims to clarify the concept of occupational burnout (OB) as well as develop appropriate methods to relieve or prevent OB in the nursing profession.
Methods
Walker and Avant’s eight-step approach of concept analysis was applied.
Results
OB was defined as a chronic form of work-related stress. Accurately, it was characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization/cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment/inefficacy. Antecedents of burnout included (a) demographic characteristics; (b) chronic exposure to work-related stressors; (c) quantitative and qualitative job demands; (d) lack of job resources; and (e) personality traits. Consequences involved (a) individual’s unfavorable quality of life; (b) negative impact on the organization; and (c) poor services quality. Although the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is perceived as an ideal tool to measure burnout and hence, it is used worldwide, whether this instrument fits to measure this concept for nurses has still not yet been verified and thus further research is needed.
Conclusions
By proposing a comprehensive definition of the concept, this analysis contributes to recognition of the process of OB of nurses. All nurses are vulnerable to OB. Hence, burnout in nursing needs to be recognized as a critical factor in the delivery of safe patient care. It proposes that the prevention of OB would be achieved through team communication training, mindfulness group, education, etc.
© 2020 Jun-Fang Zeng, Ai-Xiang Xiao, Jun-Rong Ye, Hong-Tao Cai, Wei-Ming Li, Zhi-Chun Xia, Si-Jue Li, Jian-Kui Lin, published by Shanxi Medical Periodical Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.