Gen Z Nurses: Examining the Direct and Indirect Effects of Job Burnout on Work Satisfaction and the Mediating Role of the Nurse Work Environment.

BACKGROUND

Job burnout is one of the most pressing issues facing new cohorts of nurses worldwide, including Generation Z (Gen Z) nurses. Numerous reports have confirmed the relative importance of implementing a favorable work environment to reduce job burnout and improve work satisfaction in nurses; however, no studies have examined these relationships among Gen Z nurses.

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of job burnout on work satisfaction in Gen Z nurses, with a particular focus on the mediating role of the nurse work environment, specifically within acute care settings.

METHODS

A descriptive research design was used to gather data. A total of 232 Gen Z nurses across different acute care hospitals in 11 governorates in Oman were surveyed using three standardized scales.

RESULTS

Gen Z nurses (N = 177) experienced high levels of burnout and reported moderate levels of work satisfaction (M = 2.74, SD = 0.82). A modest but statistically significant inverse relationship was found between burnout and work satisfaction (β = -0.245, p < 0.001; 95% CI [-0.029, -0.009]). Further, the nurse practice environment showed evidence of partial mediation in this relationship (β = -0.206, p = 0.002; 95% CI [-0.026, -0.006]), suggesting that the quality of the work environment may influence how burnout affects satisfaction.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

The study's results highlight the importance of creating a favorable work environment as a potential strategy to mitigate job burnout and enhance work satisfaction among Gen Z nurses, particularly in acute care settings. Nurse managers should foster a supportive work environment through flexible policies, leadership, training, and a strong wellness culture that prioritizes the well-being of staff. Additionally, nursing education should focus on resilience-building and stress management to prepare Gen Z nurses for complex workplaces, ultimately reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.