The threat of COVID-19 and its influence on nursing staff burnout

To evaluate whether the perceived threat of COVID-19 moderates the influence of work resources and demands on burnout.

A cross-sectional study.

We used a convenience sample of 771 nurses working in 10 hospitals in northern Spain. The data on burnout, demand, and resources at work and the perceived threat of COVID-19 were compiled in the second fortnight of April 2020 using an online questionnaire. We used several hierarchical linear regression models.

Work overload, material and human resources and social support at work were significant in explaining burnout. The perceived threat of COVID-19 variable was also significant and presented the highest regression coefficient (β = 0.392). The perceived threat of COVID-19 moderated the relationship between social support at work and burnout.

The perceived threat of COVID-19 helped to explain the degree of burnout in nurses and moderated the relationship between social support at work and burnout.

Hospitals should implement strategies to ensure that health emergency situations are not perceived as a threat. In pandemics, the organization should maintain clear, fluid, and regular communication with the nursing staff, which would help increase staff members' confidence and sense of control.