Literature Review On Burnout

Literature Review

Burnout is defined as the “psychological reaction to the continuous exposure to work stress” (Goong, Xu, & Li, 2016, p. 2). It involves prolonged exposure to stress resulting in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and negative self-evaluation (Wang, Liu, & Wang, 2015). Registered nurses are at increased risk for burnout due to their daily interactions with patients and family members (Goong et al., 2016). Nurses affected by burnout often have poor relationships with colleagues, demonstrate a decreased ability to function at work, have a negative mind set, and express physical and mental exhaustion, and anxiety (Goong et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2015). Fatigue impacts the quality of the care provided to patients and

Moral distress is “an inability to act on behalf of patients” (McIntosh & Sheppy, 2013, p. 37). Stress is subjective, having different effects on different individuals and can be elicited by internal or external stressors (McIntosh & Sheppy, 2013). Although stress in moderation can be motivating to some individuals, McIntosh and Sheppy (2013) suggest that nurses experiencing stress result in emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. This has a direct impact on patient care, leads to co-worker conflict, burnout, illness, and decreased work performance (McIntosh & Sheppy,

Nurse demography influences burnout including age, marital status, educational background, and work experience (Goong et al., 2016). Xu and Song (2016) also include shift work and children to the demographic variables affecting wellbeing of nurses. Those who have increased support from family or colleagues tend to experience less burnout than those who lack social support, indicating there is a direct link between social support and burnout (Goong et al., 2016). Xu and Song (2016) add that married nurses are inclined to have increased emotional support and dual income which decreases overall stress. Nurses who are new to the profession also tend to experience increased levels of burnout than those with more clinical experience as they have less seniority and acute fatigue is more prevalent (Goong et al., 2016; Rahman et al., 2016). Furthermore, nurses working in critical care areas are more likely to experience burnout due to the unpredictable nature and stress of the job (Rahman et al., 2016). Psychosocial factors have a negative impact on nurse burnout. Those individuals who are smokers or engage in other harmful lifestyle choices are more likely to experience lethargy as well as conflict in the workplace and at home (Rahman et al., 2016). Living a sedentary life also is proven to contribute to burnout (Rahman et al.,