Investigating the nomological network of variables impacting on burnout among nurses.

Abstract

Research into the phenomenon of burnout has been of an anecdotal nature. The literature abounds with definitional, analytical and psychometric limitations. Although burnout has been defined by numerous researchers in varying terms, research still lacks a universal definition and theory. Therefore, it is essential to develop this universal definition by investigating the existence, and the determinants of the concept. One approach hypothesized to establishing a theoretical definition of burnout is to use a sophisticated and rigorous analyses such as structural equation modeling with a sample of a professional's exhibiting symptoms of burnout. This present study focuses on the nursing profession and endeavours to propose at least an initial theoretical definition of the burnout construct for this profession. Research has determined that nursing is a profession prone to burnout. The current study elaborated on a postulated framework of burnout as it impacted on a nursing sample of 340 general staff nurses and 204 critical care nurses. In testing this model, the more salient determinants drawn from the research literature, were validated. The model incorporated such variables as Locus of Control, Professional Identity, and Femininity (personal variables); Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity, Workload, and Autonomy (organizational variables); and Self-esteem and Job Satisfaction (mediating variables). It was determined that nurses in this sample obtained from three major Ontario hospitals were indeed reporting levels of burnout. Further, the general staff nurses and critical care nurses reported differences in how they experienced that burnout. This information is particularly useful in developing programs to increase the quality of worklife for nurses. This study provides a foundation on which to expand the knowledge of burnout as a construct, its definition and its determinants. The study concludes with limitations and directions for future research.