Network analysis of perceived stress and burnout among Chinese nurses

Abstract

Background Burnout poses a significant threat to clinical nurses' mental health and the quality of healthcare services. This study constructed a burnout-perceived stress network model and explored its associations with job satisfaction. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 13 to December 15, 2023, across 23 hospitals in China. The Chinese versions of the Perceived Stress Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey, and the Nurse Working Satisfaction Scale were used to assess stress, burnout, and job satisfaction, respectively. Network analysis was employed to identify central nodes and bridges in the burnout-perceived stress network and their connections to job satisfaction. Results "Good at job" demonstrated the highest expected influence in the entire stress-burnout network, followed by "Stressed" and "Less enthusiasm". "Contributing", "Effective", "Felt yourself on top of things", and "Confident about the ability to handle personal problems" were identified as the most critical bridge symptoms connecting the stress-burnout network. Within the burnout community, "Contributing" and "Doubt significance" showed the strongest direct associations with job satisfaction. Conclusion Burnout-related symptoms play a crucial role in the central nodes, bridge symptoms, and associations with job satisfaction within the stress-burnout network of clinical nurses. These symptoms have significant implications for improving the quality of work life for nursing staff.