Burnout and Resiliency in Perianesthesia Nurses: Findings and Recommendations From a National Study of Members of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses

Purpose: Describe prevalence of burnout in perianesthesia nurses, explore risks, mitigating factors. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive. Methods: Survey containing Maslach Burnout Inventory, Short Form-12, and Social Support and Personal Coping was emailed to American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Regression analysis examined relationships between burnout and health, social support, personal coping, substance use, and demographics. Findings: Of 2,837 respondents, 18% were currently and 35% were formerly burned out, with lower incidence in those >40 years. Currently burned out nurses had worse health and also perceived a lack of advancement opportunities and organizational investment in the individual. Lower burnout was associated with regular participation in physical (P<.001), creative (P=.004), or mindfulness hobbies (P<.001) and ease in discussing work problems with spouse or partner (P=.001). Conclusions: Despite burnout nurses' empathy for their patients is maintained. Interests outside of work, personal and work support, healthy work environment, and regular physical activities can improve burnout.