Burnout levels in the critical care area according to years of work experience among Italian nurses

Roberto Lupo; Ivan Rubbi; Elsa Vitale; Filippo Ingrosso; Elisa Bianchimani; Marco Rizzo; Lucia Filomeno; Daniele  Marchisio; Giulio Leo; Luciana Mascia; Giovanna Artioli; Giorgio De Nunzio; Donato Cascio; Maria Rosaria Tumolo; Maria Chiara Carriero; Luana Conte

doi:10.23750/abm.v96i6.17226

Burnout levels in the critical care area according to years of work experience among Italian nurses

Authors

Roberto Lupo Emergency Department, San Giuseppe da Copertino Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
Ivan Rubbi School of Nursing, University of Bologna, Faenza, Italy
Elsa Vitale Healthcare Direction, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Bari, Bari, Italy
Filippo Ingrosso Emergency Department, Santo Spirito in Sassia Hospital, Rome, Italy
Elisa Bianchimani IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna - Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
Marco Rizzo Santa Caterina Novella Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, Galatina, Italy
Lucia Filomeno Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Daniele Marchisio Triage Training Group (G.F.T), Italy;
Giulio Leo Cardiology Division, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Luciana Mascia Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
Giovanna Artioli Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Giorgio De Nunzio Laboratory of Biomedical Physics and Environment, Department of Mathematics and Physics E. De Giorgi, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Laboratory of Advanced Data Analysis for Medicine (ADAM), University of Salento and Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
Donato Cascio Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Maria Rosaria Tumolo Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Lecce, Italy
Maria Chiara Carriero Freelance psychologist, Italy
Luana Conte Laboratory of Advanced Data Analysis for Medicine (ADAM), University of Salento and Local Health Authority (ASL) of Lecce, Lecce, Italy; Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8741-3478

Keywords:

burnout, depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, nurse

Abstract

Background and aim: In healthcare systems, Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and emergency rooms are extremely demanding and stressful environments, such that the severity of patient conditions, time pressures and the need to operate in critical conditions can promote the onset of moral suffering and burnout. The aim of this study is to assess burnout levels among Italian nurses employed in the emergency department referring to years of work experience.

Methods: An online survey was conducted through major social network channels and collecting data among healthcare workers employed in emergency departments and burnout levels.

Results: Data reveal that healthcare personnel suffer from significant levels of burnout, especially among those with low work experience.

Conclusions: Our data show high levels of stress and burnout among healthcare professionals, mainly due to the emotional burden and daily ethical challenges.

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