Job-Related Factors Associated with Burnout and Work Engagement in Emergency Nurses: Evidence to Inform Systems-Focused Interventions

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INTRODUCTION: Nurses working in the emergency department experience high rates of burnout. The purpose of this study was to determine job-related factors affecting the well-being of emergency nurses. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study data were collected through multiple methods. An anonymous survey was used to collect data on emergency nurses' perceptions of the work environment, self-reported outcomes of well-being, and demographic characteristics. Administrative and electronic health record data were used to collect team and ED-level variables. Descriptive statistics, linear models, and Lasso regression were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent (n = 175/337) of responding emergency nurses reported high burnout. High levels of psychological safety were linked to lower levels of burnout (P<.05) and increased work engagement (P<.05). Perceptions of adequate compensation were inversely associated with burnout (P<.01). Workplace violence from patients (P<.01) and peers (P<.001) was associated with higher levels of burnout, and workplace violence from peers was associated with lower levels of work engagement (P<.05). Recognition (P<.05) and well-being support from the organization (P<.01) were associated with higher levels of work engagement. DISCUSSION: To improve emergency nurse well-being, systems-focused interventions should address nurse compensation, psychological safety among the ED team, workplace violence, and meaningful recognition of nurses and well-being support from the organization.