Comparison of Burnout and Empowerment Between New Graduate and Experienced Nurses Employed in Acute Care

Abstract

The nursing profession is expected to experience massive staff shortages due to experienced nurses reaching retirement and new nurses leaving the profession related to feelings of burnout. This study describes quantitative and qualitative perceptions of new graduate and experienced nurses employed in acute care. Two measurement tools, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire (CWEQ-II), were administered using an online survey. An overall moderate level of burnout and empowerment were identified. Unit clusters differed in both burnout and empowerment subscale responses. New graduates differed in some responses regarding burnout, specifically depersonalization. Additionally, two open-ended questions provided insight about the participants' opinions regarding burnout and empowerment. Four burnout themes were identified: challenging work milieu, need for better compensation, desire for increased managerial support, and toll of professional demands. Four empowerment themes were also identified: feeling valued, positive communication, nurse retention, and wholesome relationships.