Differences in hospital staff nurses’ and nurse leaders’ assessments of the work environment and patient safety are associated with staff nurse burnout

Background

Nurse burnout remains a significant concern, with modifiable factors playing a crucial role in its mitigation or exacerbation.

Purpose

We examined the association between nurse burnout and assessment gaps in work environment and patient safety culture between nurse leaders and staff nurses, and whether these associations varied by Magnet status.

Methods

Data from the U.S. Clinician Wellbeing Study and RN4CAST-NY/IL Study (13,381 staff nurses, 1,722 nurse leaders) in 2021 were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Discussion

Nurse leaders rated work environments and patient safety culture more favorably than staff nurses. A one-point gap in work environments was linked to a 13% increase in burnout (b = 12.99, p = .001). A one-point gap in patient safety culture was associated with a 2% increase (b = 1.75, p = .015). Associations were weaker in Magnet hospitals (b = −4.63, p = .007).

Conclusion

Addressing assessment gaps between leaders and staff nurses is vital for reducing burnout.