Protecting emergency room nurses from burnout: The role of dispositional mindfulness, emotion regulation and empathy

Aim To verify the role of dispositional mindfulness, difficulties in emotion regulation and empathy in explaining burnout levels of emergency room (ER) nurses. Background Many studies have examined the variables that can affect burnout amongst ER nurses, but little is known about factors that can protect ER nurses against work-related stress. Method A multi-centre cross-sectional design was used. Burnout level intensity, dispositional mindfulness facets, difficulties in emotion regulation and empathy dimensions were assessed using valid and reliable self-report questionnaires in a sample of ER nurses (N = 97) from three different hospitals. Results Higher dispositional mindfulness and cognitive empathy levels and lower difficulties in emotion regulation, were negatively associated with emotional exhaustion levels. Conclusion ER nurses with more mindful, emotion regulation and empathy skills are more able to manage work-related distress. Implications for Nursing Management Experiential interventions to promote mindfulness skills, emotion regulation variability and flexibility in a clinical context and the cognitive side of empathy are recommended for ER nurses to reduce professional distress, and to enhance personal and work satisfaction. Future research should assess the effectiveness of new multi-factorial interventions which combine the development of mindfulness, emotion regulation and empathy skills in ER nurses.