The role of work resources between job demands and burnout in male nurses

Aims and objectives: To explore the regulation role of work resources in male nurses' job burnout and job demands.

Background: Burnout syndrome affects a wide range of nurses. Although burnout and turnover rate have drawn many researchers' attention, little is known of work characteristics that may cause a high burnout and turnover rate in male nurses.

Design: A survey design was used.

Method: A total of 366 male nurses in Guangzhou hospitals were included in this survey using the Burnout Scale (MBI-GS) and the Job demands Resources Scale. Data were processed by hierarchical regression analysis. (Followed the STROBE checklist) RESULTS: The male nurse's MBI score was (2.72 ± 1.02). Job demands affected the severity of male nurses' job burnout. Work resources are in a low level, especially at the social support, reward and skill diversity. The regression coefficients β of job demands, work resources and interaction items of job demands and work resources were 0.277, 0.314 and -0.006, respectively, and both passed the significance test (p < .01).). The new explanatory quantity ΔR² after introducing the interaction between job demands and working resources was also statistically significant (ΔR² = 0.254, p < .01).

Conclusion: Male nurses are at a mild level of job burnout, and work resources are in shortage. Work resources play a regulating role in job demands and burnout.

Relevance to clinical practice: The mild burnout may be a surface phenomenon or was a sign of trend of male nurses' intention to leave the job. Managers should pay attention to the emotional needs and mental health problems of male nurses' work environment.