Job satisfaction and burnout syndrome among intensive-care unit nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The severe conditions often experienced in an intensive care unit, combined with poor working conditions, increase stress and therefore decrease job satisfaction. Sustained stress in the workplace leads to the development of burnout, a syndrome characterised by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and perceived lack of personal fulfilment.

Objective: To analyse the relationship between burnout syndrome and job satisfaction among ICU personnel.

Data sources: The PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases were used.

Study design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The study sample consisted of 18 quantitative primary studies conducted in the last five years. Validated questionnaires were used to assess burnout in ICU healthcare workers, the most commonly used being the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Extraction methods: The search equation applied was: "job satisfaction AND nurs* AND burnout AND (ICU OR intensive care units)". The search was performed in October 2022.

Principal findings: The search returned 514 results. Only 73 articles met the eligibility criteria. After reading the title and abstract, 20 articles were selected. After reading the full texts, 12 articles remained and after the reverse search, 18 articles were finally selected. The studies reported a 50% prevalence of burnout, all three dimensions of which were heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of the study findings revealed an inverse association between burnout and job satisfaction.

Conclusions: Job dissatisfaction of ICU nurses depends on lack of experience, working conditions or working environment among others. ICU nurses with lower job satisfaction have higher levels of burnout.

Implications for clinical practice: This meta-analysis shows the potential value of job satisfaction on improving health outcomes related to burnout syndrome for nursing professional in Intensive Care Units. Different factors that could increase job satisfaction and consequently protect them from suffering high levels of burnout, such as salary, permanence in the service, mental health care are the responsibility of the hospital supervisor and, finally, of the own Health System. Knowledge of a risk profile based on the factors influencing job dissatisfaction would enable the implementation of effective workplace interventions to reduce or prevent the risk of burnout. Health policies should focus on protecting the worker, so in addition to improving working conditions, it would be interesting to promote coping skills in order to improve the quality of care and patient safety.

Keywords: Burnout syndrome; Intensive care unit; Job satisfaction; Nursing; Overall health; Stress.