Burnout and Quality of Work Life Among Nurse Practitioners in Ventricular Assist Device Programs in the United States

Abstract

Background: A mixed-method study of role stress and work intensity among nurse practitioners (NPs) in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) programs in the United States reported a qualitative data related to burnout. We empirically investigated this phenomenon by pursuing the following specific aims: (1) describe levels of personal burnout (PB), work-related (WB) burnout, and client-related burnout (CB) and quality of work life (QOWL) among MCS-NPs; (2) determine the relationship between burnout and QOWL variables; and (3) identify which type of burnout is a predictor of QOWL. Methods: We employed an exploratory correlational research design. Demographics, work characteristics, and psychometrically robust measures of burnout and QOWL were completed by 47 MCS-NPs from various regions of the United States. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Higher levels of burnout (PB, WB, and CB) were associated with lower levels of QOWL (r = −.52 to −.64, P −.30, P values