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Summary
The research question addressed in the research summary table is “What are the factors and predictors of nursing burnout?” Two studies, i.e. Davis et al. (2013) and Wang et al., (2015) contained convenience samples; so the results of the studies do not apply to all students. However, the number of samples in the studies was sufficient to get a statistically significant result.
All the studies utilized the responses of the participants through surveys and questionnaires. Studies by Allen et al., (2015) and Wang et al., (2015) were also cross-sectional in nature. All of the studies used descriptive designs, but Davis et al. (2013) and Wang et al., (2015) clearly noted that they used descriptive designs or surveys. Studies from the table have a lower level of ranking in the levels-of-evidence table, i.e. Level VI and they are evidences from descriptive study.
Allen et al., (2015) found that bullying was positively related to burnout. Although psychological detachment had no significant effect on moderating the relationship of bullying and burnout, it could be used to lower the risk of burnout. Davis et al. (2013) noted that youngest nurses showed lowest level of emotional exhaustion, while outpatient registered nurses showed highest level of emotional exhaustion. Personal accomplishment was highest in adult settings. Demographics could play significant role in the determination of burnout. Lee et al. (2015) found that the most important predictors of burnout in Taiwanese nurses were work engagement and physical or psychological symptoms. Work engagement also showed highest correlation with personal accomplishment. Wang et al., (2015) found that the participants showed moderate depersonalization and emotional exhaustion, and a high level of decreased personal accomplishment in nursing profession. Both personal as well as environmental factors correlate with nurse burnout.
An important limitation of the studies is that the results of the studies could not be generalized. In order to get the results which can be generalized, larger scale studies have to be performed involving the participants from different nations. Another important limitation of cross-sectional studies is that the results are not helpful in giving causal relationships. For causal relationships, some studies with higher levels-of-evidence such as randomized controlled trials or case-control studies have to be performed.
Presence of burnout in the nursing profession and various factors and predictors involved in burnout require consideration by health care experts and organizations. The table of studies shows that bullying, physical and psychological symptoms, and demographic variables could result in the development of burnout; thereby, leading to destructive impact on nurses. It is important for health care experts and organizations to develop policies and procedures that could manage and/or prevent workplace issues relating to nursing burnout. Managers in health care organizations have to develop such an environment that can decrease the factors or predictors of nursing burnout as much as possible.
References
Allen, B. C., Holland, P., & Reynolds, R. (2015). The effect of bullying on burnout in nurses: the moderating role of psychological detachment. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(2), 381-390.
Davis, S., Lind, B. K., & Sorensen, C. (2013). A comparison of burnout among oncology nurses working in adult and pediatric inpatient and outpatient settings. Oncology nursing forum, 40(4), E303-E311.
Lee, H.-F., Yen, M., Fetzer, S., & Chien, T. W. (2015). Predictors of burnout among nurses in Taiwan. Community mental health journal, 51(6), 733-737.
Wang, S., Liu, Y., & Wang, L. (2015). Nurse burnout: Personal and environmental factors as predictors. International journal of nursing practice, 21(1), 78-86.
