Analysis of the current situation and influencing factors of nurse change fatigue

Background As the healthcare environment undergoes rapid evolution, nurses frequently confront multifaceted changes, resulting in significant change fatigue. This fatigue adversely impacts their well-being, diminishes job satisfaction, elevates turnover rates, and undermines the quality of care provided. Aim To comprehend the fatigue levels experienced by clinical nurses amidst environmental changes and to analyze the factors influencing this fatigue. Methods A survey was conducted among 451 clinical nurses at a tertiary general hospital in Nantong City, utilizing the Change Fatigue Scale, Care Perception Scale, and Emotional Intelligence Scale. Results The change fatigue score was 19.01 +/- 3.63, indicating a moderate level of fatigue. Change fatigue was inversely correlated with emotional intelligence and care perception (all p < 0.05). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed that monthly income, professional title, years of work, number of night shifts, care perception, and emotional intelligence were significant factors influencing the change fatigue experienced by clinical nurses amidst environmental changes (all p < 0.05). These factors collectively accounted for 76.1% of the total variation. Conclusion Clinical nurses exhibit moderate levels of change fatigue. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing managers implement regular emotional intelligence training and reduce night shifts to actively address the rapid changes brought about by the healthcare industry and, consequently, enhance the quality of nursing care.