Influence of the subfactors of self-compassion on burnout among hospital nurses: A cross-sectional study in South Korea.

AIM

This study aimed to identify the effects of the subfactors of self-compassion on hospital nurse burnout and provide basic knowledge for an intervention programme to prevent nurse burnout.

BACKGROUND

Burnout in nurses has been reported to influence their own and patients' mental health and safety. Enhancing self-compassion can help to prevent burnout.

METHODS

This study involved descriptive research using a cross-sectional design. Data were collected at H University Hospital in Korea, from January to March 2020. Of the 213 questionnaires collected, 208 were included in data analysis.

RESULTS

Burnout was higher when nurses were younger, unmarried, in poor health, general nurses, dissatisfied with their jobs, planning to leave their jobs or receiving low social support from peers. There was a negative correlation between burnout and the self-compassion subscales. Multiple regression analysis showed that isolation and mindfulness among self-compassion, were significantly related to burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Since individual variables and self-compassion are major elements impacting nurse burnout, it is important for nursing organizations to investigate nurses' individual variables, including subfactors of self-compassion, to help them prevent burnout.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse burnout might be prevented by increasing self-compassion. Hospital and nurse managers may employ individualized strategies to enhance nurses' self-compassion.