Burnout among hospital nursing staff

Objective: To analyze the degree of burnout among nursing staff of the Virgen de la Nieves hospital complex and the influence of several factors on this syndrome. Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study was performed among the nursing staff of the Virgen de las Nieves hospital complex in Granada (Spain) using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire composed of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (which measures professional burnout) and sociodemographic and occupational variables. Each dimension of burnout syndrome was related to the independent variables. Results: Of 160 initial questionnaires, 115 valid responses were obtained (response rate 71.87%). The mean age was 42.91([SD] 8.24) years; 75.2% were women and 69.6% were married; 70.8% had permanent positions and 53.9% worked in the admissions area. The mean values obtained were: 22.53 ([SD] 12.74) for emotional exhaustion, 6.86 ([SD] 5.73) for depersonalization, and 37.31 ([SD] 6.93) for personal accomplishment. Between 27% and 39% had scores indicative of burnout on at least one of the three subscales, while 6.09% had scores indicating burnout on all three subscales. The 3 dimensions were interrelated. Conclusions: In line with the results of other studies, we found a moderate degree of burnout among the nursing staff surveyed. Burnout was greater in the admissions area and general services and was lower in specialist and surgical areas. Nursing management should take steps to correct the dimensions most affected.