The work environment of haemodialysis nurses and its mediating role in burnout

Background: The work environment can contribute to the occurrence of nurses' burnout. Objectives: This study assessed the work environment of haemodialysis nurses and the extent of burnout they have suffered, and it explored the connection between work environment and burnout. Design: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 53 public, hospital-based haemodialysis units in Greece. Participants: A total of 537 haemodialysis nurses participated. The majority consisted of females (90.8%) who possessed a university degree or a degree from a technological institute (72.6%). They had an average of 15 years of experience in dialysis. Measurements: The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) were used. The demographic characteristics of the participants were also collected. Results: Although the nurses rated their work environment as healthy, they were experiencing a moderate degree of burnout. The multivariate linear regression analysis with the CBI scales as dependent variables was applied. The increased nurses' participation in hospital affairs was associated with decreased personal (coefficient beta = -9.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -17.4 to -1.3, p = 0.023), work-related (coefficient beta = -12.9, 95% CI = -22.5 to -3.5, p = 0.008) and patient-related burnout (coefficient beta = -15.9, 95% CI = -24.5 to -7.4, p = < 0.001). The better collegial nurse-physician relationships were associated with decreased personal (coefficient beta = -10.7, 95% CI = -18.3 to -3.0, p = .007) and work-related burnout (coefficient beta = -15.1, 95% CI = -23.3 to -7.0, p = < 0.001). Conclusions: The work environment of haemodialysis nurses was associated with burnout. Its improvement is an important tool in administrations' effort to ensure the nursing staff's well-being.