Work Experience of Chinese Male Nurses Based on the Job Demands-Resources Model: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim. This study aimed to quantitatively compare the effects of perceived social support, resilience, and task load on occupational burnout and flow at work in male nurses, as well as the complex relationships among these variables. Background. Male nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. However, little is known about the key factors that may improve the work experience of male nurses. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021. A convenience sample of 356 male nurses completed measures of general information, burnout, flow at work, perceived social support, resilience, and task load. Dominance analysis and network analysis were used to explore the associations between the variables studied. Results. Among the variables studied, perceived social support most strongly predicted burnout, while perceived social support and resilience had equal predictive weights in flow at work. The network analysis found that resilience was the bridge indicator with the strongest connections to other variables. Conclusion. The interventions focused on the perceived social support and resilience of male nurses could help improve their work experience. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing administrators should give male nurses more support and understanding to reduce burnout at work. At the same time, administrators can conduct psychological lectures to improve male nurses' resilience, thereby increasing their flow at work. Providing challenging tasks that match male nurses' skills could also help improve their work experience.