Organizational Traits, Care Processes, and Burnout Among Chronic Hemodialysis Nurses

Abstract

In light of evidence linking registered nurse (RN) staffing levels to patient outcomes in chronic hemodialysis facilities, U.S. government regulations have set minimum RN staffing requirements during dialysis. Consequently, facility administrators are focused on decreasing nurse attrition in this crucial practice setting. This study used a cross-sectional, correlational design to investigate the effects of workload, practice environment, and care processes on burnout among nurses in U.S. chronic hemodialysis centers and to determine the association between burnout and nurses' intentions to leave their jobs. Findings indicate that predictors were associated with an increased likelihood of nurse burnout and that nurses experiencing burnout were more likely to be planning to leave their jobs. Findings have important implications for retention of nurses, enhancement of patient safety, and adherence to new federal staffing requirements in chronic hemodialysis units.