J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2023 Sep;29(4):374-384. 10.11111/jkana.2023.29.4.374.

Burnout among Nurses in COVID-19 Designated Units Compared with Those in General Units Caring for Both COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients

• Woo KA
• Yun EK
• Choi J
• Byun HM

• KMID: 2549546
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2023.29.4.374

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the differences in COVID-19 work-related characteristics, workload, anxiety, stress, and burnout between nurses working in the COVID-19 designated units and those in the general units caring for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients and to identify factors related to burnout in these two nurse groups.
Methods
The study was conducted using data from 192 nurses in the COVID-19 designated units and 340 nurses in the general units from two general hospitals. The data were collected using self-report, structured questionnaires. Independent t-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis were performed.
Results
There were no significant differences observed in workload and burnout between the two groups. For nurses in the general units, workload, stress, adequacy of the number of patients assigned, and the experience of temporary, floating staff were significant factors associated with burnout, while only clinical experience in the current unit was a significant factor among those in the COVID-19 units.
Conclusion
Findings indicate significant differences in factors related to burnout between the two nurse groups. Thus, substantial support and strategies tailored to the working environments of each nursing unit are required to prevent burnout among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients.

Keyword

Burnout; COVID-19; Nurses; Stress; Workload