Burnout in a nursing profession versus coping

Introduction. Burnout is a common phenomenon occurring in a group of nurses, associated with chronic experience of stress. People with burnout syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and deficits in personal commitment. Dealing with stress can prevent the development of burnout.

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the level of burnout of nurses and to determine the relationship between the level of burnout and style of coping with stress.

Material and methods. The study was conducted among 94 female nurses and 6 male nurses. The average age of the nurses was 42,7 years (SD = 5,89), length of service in the profession — 20,5 years (SD = 7,89), length of the current work — 15,0 years (SD = 7,98). The method used was the diagnostic survey. The research tools were: Burnout Questionnaire and the Questionnaire of Coping with Stressful Situations.

Results. Average results in emotional exhaustion scale was 23,8 (SD = 7,11), depersonalization — 10,56 (SD = 3,86) and personal involvement — 27,26 (SD = 5,46). People who prefer to cope focusing on the problem, showed high resistance to burnout. Results negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion and positively correlated with personal involvement (p < 0,05). Results on a scale of coping focused on emotions positively correlated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (p < 0,05). Results on a scale of coping focused on avoiding — positively correlated with personal commitment.

Conclusions.

1. Task approach to problems and style of coping with stress concentrated on the problem promotes better cope with stress and prevent burnout.

2. Age and seniority of respondents have no effect on the development of burnout.