Organizational Factors and Burnout of Perioperative Nurses

BACKGROUND: Knowing the organizational factors that predict burnout in perioperative nurses is paramount for improving the care of patients and promoting nurses’ psychosocial well-being and health. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of organizational factors of the perioperative nurse's work environment on the three burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, despersonalization, and personal accomplishment. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 nurses in a perioperative care unit at a university hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected using a demographic data form, and the Spanish versions of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: Findings showed emotional exhaustion in 43% (56) of nurses, depersonalization in 21% (28), and reduced personal accomplisment in 53% (69). The degree of general burnout was moderate. The work environment was considered unfavourable as only one factor of five was favourable (Nursing foundations of quality care). Multiple regression analyses showed three organizational factors were associated with all three dimensions of burnout: “Nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses”; “Staffing and resources adequacy”; and “Nursing foundations of quality care”. CONCLUSIONS: In this study three organizational factors played a significant role in predicting burnout among perioperative nurses. We recommend hospital management implement policies to improve these organizational factors. Promoting positive leadership styles, providing necessary resources, and creating a positive climate in the work environment could increase psychosocial wellbeing and decrease burnout among perioperative nurses.