Journal of Clinical Nursing

Association of Burnout and Intention‐To‐Leave the Job With Objective Nursing Workload and Nursing Working Environment: A Cross‐Sectional Study Among Intensive Care Nurses

ABSTRACT

Aim

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of burnout risk and intention-to-leave among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses and analyse the association of these with workload and work environment.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of nurses working in ICUs was conducted in France between 15 January 2024 and 15 April 2024 alongside a longitudinal assessment of workload during the same period.

Methods

ICU nurse workload was assessed using the Nursing Activities Score (NAS). The risk of burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale and intention-to-leave the hospital was assessed with a binary question. A total of 1271 nurses working in 61 intensive care units completed the questionnaire and 14,134 NAS per patient and 1885 NAS per nurse were included in the study.

Results

The median overall of burnout by hospital site was 64.7% [P25: 53.3–P75: 72.7] for the broad definition and a median of 20.7% [13.3–27.3] of ICU nurses reported an intent-to-leave their job. The median overall NAS score per nurse was 135.9% [121.4–156.9] and the prevalence of NAS scores exceeding 100% per nurse was 73.9% [62.8–80.3]. A significant association was found between nurses working in an ICU with a better work environment and all dimensions of burnout as well as the intention-to-leave the job. A prevalence in the hospital site of NAS scores exceeding 100% per nurse below the median was associated with a lower burnout (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.88 for broad definition) and intention-to-leave the job (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50–0.92).

Conclusion

This study found significant associations between burnout and the intention to leave the job for nurses in ICUs, mainly due to a better work environment and, to a lesser extent, a lower workload for nurses.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

In an era of nurse shortages and absenteeism, it is crucial for institutions to retain their nursing staff. Our results should encourage hospital managers to take action to improve the ICU work environment and keep ICU workloads manageable to decrease burnout and the intention-to-leave the job among ICU nurses.

Reporting Method

This article follows the STROBE guidelines for the reporting of cross-sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.