An exploration of burnout among city mental health nurses.

AIM

The aim of this research was to describe burnout among mental health nurses working in a city Trust and to develop an understanding of the variables involved in burnout for mental health nurses.

BACKGROUND

Mental health nursing is stressful and several authors have linked stress to burnout. Burnout results from high levels of occupational stress, and is characterized by: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a perception of lack of personal accomplishment. There is a growing body of research regarding burnout among mental health nurses; however, there appears to be no research that considers UK mental health nurses working in cities.

METHODS

The study involved a questionnaire survey of all 475 mental health nurses working at a city NHS Trust. Data were collected in 2007.

RESULTS

A deeper understanding of burnout within the Trust was developed, with statistically significant relationships showing that nurses experiencing burnout were more likely to take sick leave and to be considering leaving their jobs or the NHS. Levels of burnout experienced were significantly related to academic qualifications, the frequency and adequacy of clinical supervision, feeling supported and valued at work and feeling involved in decision making and changes.

CONCLUSION

The perceived quality and frequency of clinical supervision influences the level of burnout experienced. Nurses who have higher-level academic qualifications and who feel supported and valued at work have lower levels of burnout.