Prevalence of stress and burnout syndrome in hospital nurses working in shifts

Abstract

Introduction: many times the Nursing service is linked to poor work conditions,
unhealthy environment, work overload, exposure to risks, linked to the worker’s
vulnerability and health conditions. These factors can lead to psychological
disorders such as stress and burnout syndrome. Objective: to verify the level of
stress and the presence of the burnout syndrome in nurses working in day and night
shifts in the hospital context. Method: a descriptive and analytical study conducted
in a university hospital. The sample consisted of 108 nurses. Questionnaires were
applied to collect data, and one of them was used to verify socio-demographic
data; the modified Bianchi Scale to quantified the level of stress; and the Maslach
Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey to identify Burnout. Results: the data
showed that the Burnout dimensions for the groups working in day and night shifts
were considered medium to low. Correlation and statistically significant p-values
were found when the stress and burnout dimensions were compared (p=<0.0001;
p=0.0001; and p=0.0003). The score for the day shift stress level was 2.35 and, for the
night shift, 2.31, both being classified a mean. Conclusion: the level of stress among
nurses and the three dimensions of the syndrome were evaluated as mean level in
the day and night shifts. There was a statistically significant correlation between
stress and burnout.