The Study on the Mechanism of the Impact of Perceived Abusive Supervision on Nurse Burnout

Abstract

Objective: To explore the correlation between nurses’ perceived abusive supervision, work stress, and burnout and to analyze the mediating role of work stress between the two. Methods: This study was conducted in September-October 2022 using the Abusive Supervision Scale, the Work Stress Scale, and the Burnout Scale to investigate clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals in Chongqing. Results: The total score of 629 clinical nurses’ perceived abusive supervision was (27.29 ± 11.11), the total score of work stress was (29.49 ± 9.22), and the total score of job burnout was (39.66 ± 9.11). Nurse manager’s abusive supervision had a positive effect on nurse burnout (β = 0.19, P < 0.001), work stress had a positive effect on burnout (β = 0.47, P < 0.001), and work stress partially mediated the relationship between the nurse manager’s abusive supervision and nurse burnout (β = 0.15, P < 0.001), with the mediating effect accounting for the total effect of 43.32%. Conclusion: Abusive supervision by nurse managers can directly affect nurse burnout and indirectly affect burnout through work stress. Hospitals should strengthen the training of management skills for nurse managers, create a supportive work environment to alleviate their work pressure, and reduce their burnout.