Mental exhaustion of nurses: a quantitative cross-sectional study of stress and resilience factors

Background. Investigations indicate high demands in the nursing profession combined with a high level of mental exhaustion. Various health promotion programmes have been initiated in recent years. However, little research has been done on resilience factors and professional comparison.Aims. The aim of the study is to gain insights into mental exhaustion among nurses in a professional comparison, as well as stress and resilience factors that should be addressed in health-promoting programs.Methods. The study reanalyses data from the "BIBB/BAuA employee survey-changing work and profession, acquisition and utilisation of professional qualifications 2018" (n = 20,012). The psychological exhaustion, stress factors and resilience factors of nurses are analysed in a professional comparison with early childhood educators, social workers and other employees.Results. Mental exhaustion is highest in the nursing profession. The most common stressor is lack of time. The most common resilience factor is teamwork. The resilience factor of supportive behaviour by supervisors is mentioned comparatively less frequently in the nursing profession.Conclusions. Programmes for health promotion should consider organisation-related approaches more than before and include a health-oriented management culture.