Differences in hospital staff nurses' and nurse leaders' assessments of the work environment and patient safety are associated with staff nurse burnout.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-13-2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nurse burnout remains a significant concern, with modifiable factors playing a crucial role in its mitigation or exacerbation.

PURPOSE: We examined the association between nurse burnout and assessment gaps in work environment and patient safety culture between nurse leaders and staff nurses, and whether these associations varied by Magnet status.

METHODS: Data from the U.S. Clinician Wellbeing Study and RN4CAST-NY/IL Study (13,381 staff nurses, 1,722 nurse leaders) in 2021 were analyzed using multiple linear regression.

DISCUSSION: Nurse leaders rated work environments and patient safety culture more favorably than staff nurses. A one-point gap in work environments was linked to a 13% increase in burnout (b = 12.99, p = .001). A one-point gap in patient safety culture was associated with a 2% increase (b = 1.75, p = .015). Associations were weaker in Magnet hospitals (b = -4.63, p = .007).

CONCLUSION: Addressing assessment gaps between leaders and staff nurses is vital for reducing burnout.

Volume

73

Issue

6

First Page

102548

Last Page

102548

ISSN

1528-3968

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

40946434

Department(s)

Patient Care Services / Nursing

Document Type

Article

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