Burnout amongst primary health care nurses : a cross-sectional study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The imbalance between job demands and available resources could cause burnout which may impact quality patient care. A scientific investigation was conducted to evaluate burnout amongst primary health care (PHC) nurses. The objectives for the study were to identify the prevalence of burnout amongst PHC nurses and to explore the contributing factors to burnout in PHC settings.The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model (Bakker and Demerouti, 2007:309) was used as a conceptual framework for the study.A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach was applied. The population and sample consisted of professional nurses (PN) and clinical nurse practitioners (CNP) (n=72) in the Eden District of the Western Cape. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect the data in an uncontrolled, natural environment.Analysis of the results exposed high levels of burnout amongst PHC nurses. Nurses in PHC facilities all had an equal chance to develop burnout, regardless of their level of experience. The occurrence of burnout is equal in community health centres and in community clinics, although a trend was observed that subjects in community clinics may experience more emotional exhaustion.Work pressure, workload or an increase in job demands, lack of organisational support and management problems were rated as the main factors contributing to burnout.Recommendations were made to improve the working environments of PHC nurses in order to increase motivational levels, job satisfaction and to foster work engagement, as well as to reduce levels of burnout. Opportunities for further research are recommended.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University