Date of Award/Publication

4-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Advanced Practice Nursing

First Supervisor

Heather McGrane Minton

Second Supervisor

Nancy Wilk

Abstract

Background: Recently the burnout phenomenon has been studied in bedside nurses. Research has shown poor patient outcomes and nurses leaving the bedside earlier as a result. Burnout has not yet been studied in Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the level of burnout in Clinical Nurse Specialists and see if there was a trend or significant risk factors.

Methods: A survey utilizing the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was distributed through social media platforms for snowball sampling, all online.

Results: There was no difference found between CNSs that had been practicing for greater than five years compared to those practicing for fewer than five years. However, there was a slight increase in the level of burnout reported associated with the longer the CNSs were in practice.

Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference found, CNSs that have been practicing longer reported a higher level of burnout than those who have been practicing less time. Further studies should include larger sample sizes to better study the level of burnout.

Keywords: Clinical Nurse Specialists, Burnout, Nursing, Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion.

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS