Introduction

The main causes of occupational burnout syndrome are the physical conditions and psychosocial features of the work environment.

Aim of the study

To describe the psychosocial working conditions of nurses, to determine the level of occupational burnout, and to assess the relationship between the examined dimensions of occupational burnout and psychosocial features of the work environment.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of 189 nurses working in hospitals in the Małopolska region. We employed a standard questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and psychosocial working conditions, by means of a Psychospołeczne warunki pracy (PWP) (Psychosocial Working Conditions Questionnaire).

Results

The results show that the average period of employment in nursing profession reached 22.2 years (SD = 10.5). A high or average level of emotional exhaustion was observed in over 70% of respondents (x = 21.8, SD = 9.4), and a high or average level of depersonalization in 90.5% (x = 5.1, SD = 4.6). More than a half of the respondents had a low or average level of the sense of personal accomplishment (x = 30.9, SD = 8.9). A correlation was observed between the sense of control, social support, and well-being and the 3 subscales of occupational burnout.

Conclusions

There is an association between occupational burnout and the sense of control, perceived social support, and desired changes in the work environment.