Effects of Job Satisfaction and Burnout on Quality of Life in Nurses Who Work in Emergency Services

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate burnout and job satisfaction (JS) level and their effects on quality of life (QOL). Material and Methods: Research included 322 nurses who worked in emergency units. The survey consisted of demographic information, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of life Instrument-Brief Form. The data were analyzed with SPSS-versiom 10. Results: The rate of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were 54.3%, 54.7%, and 46%, respectively. Depersonalization was negatively correlated with age; emotional exhaustion was higher among nurses without children; burnout was higher among nurses working at state hospitals and lower among nurses self-choosing emergency department to work. JS level of nurses was moderate. Intrinsic satisfaction was higher than extrinsic satisfaction. Nurses were most satisfied with nature of work, job security, ability utilization, authority, team interaction, personal achievement and morale values and least satisfied with working conditions, compensation, advancement, recognition, and independence. The factors effecting JS in a positive way were being married, having children, working at administrative position and self-choosing the emergency department to work. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were negatively associated with JS and QOL, while personal accomplishment was positively associated with JS and QOL. There was a positive correlation between JS and QOL. Conclusion: Half of the nurses have experienced burnout; their JS level was moderate and intrinsic JS was higher. Among nurses self-choosing emergency department to work, burnout was lower and JS was higher. Burnout, JS and QOL were correlated. We suggest that the preferences of nurses be considered when planning working departments to decrease burnout while increasing JS and QOL.