Authors

Jean Johnson

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1992

Abstract

This study focuses on the prevalence of burnout and its relationship to social support among nurses caring for chronically and terminally ill children. A convenience sample of 30 pediatric nurses were given surveys consisting of a demographic sheet, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Social Support Scale, and open-ended questions. The 14 completed and returned questionnaires were used in this nonexperimental, correlational study. Using the student "t" distribution it was determined that the mean emotional exhaustion burnout subscore was significantly (.05 confidence level) higher in the tested sample than in the normative sample. God/Higher Power and co-workers were rated as the most helpful sources of social support. No correlation (using the Pearson "r") was found between the burnout scores and social support scores. Greater burnout awareness and prevention measures are needed. Further study with a larger, random sample is recommended .

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Nursing Commons

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