OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AND BURNOUT IN NURSES WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ADULT PATIENTS

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine differences in occupational stressors and burnout levels between pediatric nurses and those working with adult patients, and to examine the contribution of occupational stressors to nursing burnout levels.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 123 nurses, of whom 30 were employed in pediatric wards and 93 in adult treatment wards. Questionnaires examining occupational stress and burnout were applied. The results indicated greater vulnerability of pediatric nurses to both occupational stress (t = 3.77; p <0.001) and burnout (t = 1.81, p <0.05), wherein perceived risks (B = 0.08, p <0.01) and job requirements (B = 0.07, p <0.01) predicted higher levels of burnout in pediatric nurses. The burnout levels in nurses working with adult patients is associated with interpersonal conflicts (B = 0.1, p <0.01) and organizational and financial problems at work (B = 0.14, p <0.01).

Conclusion: The results indicated the initial stages of occupational burnout in all nurses, especially those working in pediatric wards.