Annotated Bibliography: Burnout Among Nurses

Introduction

Burnout among nurses is a significant issue that affects both individual well-being and patient care quality. This annotated bibliography explores the causes, consequences, and strategies to mitigate nurse burnout.

Annotated Bibliography

1. Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2017). Understanding burnout: Definition, causes, consequences, and workplace remedies. Psychology Press.
   • This seminal work provides a comprehensive overview of burnout, its causes, and consequences. The authors discuss the role of workload, control, and reward in the development of burnout. This book is essential for understanding the underlying factors contributing to nurse burnout.
2. Aiken, L. H., Clarke, S. P., Sloane, D. M., Sochalski, J., & Silber, J. H. (2017). Hospital nurse staffing and patient mortality, patient safety, and nurse outcomes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(5), 258-267.
   • This meta-analysis highlights the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes and nurse burnout. The study emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing to reduce burnout and improve patient care.
3. West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Erwin, P. J., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2016). Interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 316(16), 1622-1631.
   • This systematic review examines various interventions designed to prevent and reduce physician burnout. While focused on physicians, many of the strategies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience training, can be adapted for nurses.

    
4. Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Van den Heede, K., Clarke, S. P., Costa, G., … & Maas, M. (2012). Effects of nurse staffing on patient mortality, nurse burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 308(13), 1308-1318.
   • This study underscores the relationship between nurse staffing levels, patient outcomes, and nurse burnout. Adequate staffing is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring quality patient care.
5. Shanafelt, T. D., Boone, S., Tan, L., & Dyrbye, L. N. (2015). Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physicians relative to the general US population. Archives of Internal Medicine, 175(7), 1357-1363.
   • This study compares burnout rates among US physicians to the general population, highlighting the prevalence of burnout in healthcare professions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing work-life balance issues to mitigate burnout.

    

Summary of Key Findings and Implications

The research suggests that nurse burnout is a complex issue with significant implications for both individual well-being and patient care. Key factors contributing to burnout include excessive workload, inadequate staffing, lack of autonomy, and poor work-life balance. To address this issue, healthcare organizations should implement a multifaceted approach that includes:

• Adequate Staffing: Ensuring sufficient staffing levels to reduce workload and improve patient care.
• Supportive Work Environment: Creating a positive and supportive work environment that values nurses’ contributions.
• Leadership Development: Training leaders to recognize and address burnout, and to promote a culture of compassion and respect.
• Resilience Training: Providing nurses with tools and techniques to manage stress and build resilience.
• Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Implementing policies and programs to help nurses balance their work and personal lives.
• Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer support programs to provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.

By addressing these factors, healthcare organizations can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment for nurses, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.