The role of work resources between job demands and burnout in male nurses

To explore the regulation role of work resources in male nurses' job burnout and job demands.

Burnout syndrome affects a wide range of nurses. Although burnout and turnover rate have drawn many researchers' attention, little is known of work characteristics that may cause a high burnout and turnover rate in male nurses.

A survey design was used.

A total of 366 male nurses in Guangzhou hospitals were included in this survey using the Burnout Scale (MBI-GS) and the Job demands Resources Scale. Data were processed by hierarchical regression analysis. (Followed the STROBE checklist) RESULTS: The male nurse's MBI score was (2.72 ± 1.02). Job demands affected the severity of male nurses' job burnout. Work resources are in a low level, especially at the social support, reward and skill diversity. The regression coefficients β of job demands, work resources and interaction items of job demands and work resources were 0.277, 0.314 and -0.006, respectively, and both passed the significance test (p < .01).). The new explanatory quantity ΔR² after introducing the interaction between job demands and working resources was also statistically significant (ΔR²  = 0.254, p < .01).

Male nurses are at a mild level of job burnout, and work resources are in shortage. Work resources play a regulating role in job demands and burnout.

The mild burnout may be a surface phenomenon or was a sign of trend of male nurses' intention to leave the job. Managers should pay attention to the emotional needs and mental health problems of male nurses' work environment.