Exploring Factors Contributing to Occupational Burnout Among Nurses in Pediatric Infection Wards Post-COVID-19

J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024 Nov 15:17:5309-5316. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S481647. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the factors that lead to occupational burnout among nurses in pediatric infectious disease wards after two consecutive years of frontline anti-epidemic work since the admission of COVID-19 patients in January 2020, in order to lay a scientific basis for reducing nurse occupational burnout.

Methods: A total of 12 nurses who working in pediatric infection units were included in the study. Utilizing qualitative research methodologies, we used semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. The interview data underwent meticulous organization and were subjected to descriptive analysis.

Results: 12 nurses assigned to pediatric infection wards frequently encounter occupational burnout, primarily attributed to increased work intensity, nurse-patient relationships, occupational frustration, psychological pressure, hospital infections, and various other contributing factors.

Conclusion: We found that the severity of occupational burnout among nurses specializing in pediatric infectious diseases is noteworthy. Our recommendations include heightened consideration of this issue by government authorities and hospital administrators.

Keywords: children; healthcare personnel; infectious infection area; nurses; occupational burnout; qualitative investigation.

Grants and funding

Supported by Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (No. LCYSSQ20220823091203007) & Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund; Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen (SZSM202311033); Shenzhen Fund for Guangdong Provincial High-Level Clinical Key Specialties (No. SZGSP011).