Relationships between stressors, work supports, and burnout among cancer nurses

This pilot study investigated the relationships between stressors, work supports, and burnout among cancer nurses. One hundred and one registered nurses, employed at a major specialist oncology, metropolitan Australian hospital, completed self-report questionnaires measuring these constructs and provided responses to open-ended questions. The 50 listed stressors were experienced as sources of stress by more than 50% of the sample; most work support came from peers, rather than supervisor and organizational supports; and the overall level of burnout for the sample was moderate to low. Significant positive correlations were found between Stressors and the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a significant weak positive correlation between Peer Support and Personal Accomplishment (intensity). Findings are discussed in relation to developing strategies for reducing stress and burnout among cancer nurses, and directions for further study are suggested.