Introduction. Occupational burnout occurs in persons who are emotionally devoted to their work, among others in nurses. Taking responsibility for other people in need and suffering constitutes principle moral obligation of every nurse. Nurses show empathy, understanding, strong sense of responsibility for the results of their work and the sense of control over the therapeutic process. Constant readiness to help may be a cause of considerable pressure and stress.

Aim. To determine the level of occupational burnout presented by nurses employed at the Regional Specialist Hospital in Biała Podlaska.

Material and methods. The study, including nurses employed at the Regional Specialist Hospital in Biała Podlaska, was based on a diagnostic survey with validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Participation in the survey was voluntary and anonymous.

Results. Mean level of burnout in the study group amounted to 47.7 pts with standard deviation equal 17.6 pts. In every forth nurse, the level of burnout amounted to at least 61 pts, and the levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were no less than 9, 28 and 35 pts, respectively. The vast majority of surveyed nurses (60%) presented with low levels of emotional exhaustion. High levels of depersonalization were documented in 30.4% of the respondents. Our participants presented with surprisingly unfavorable personal accomplishment scores. As many as 60% of them declared that they failed to achieve their objectives.

Conclusions. Nurses employed at the Regional Specialist Hospital present with a moderate risk of occupational burnout.