Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic on Burnout and Work-Family Conflict Among Nurses in Tertiary Care Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Among the evident consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is the escalating levels of work stress among already stressed nurses. Exposure to risk factors like hazardous working conditions, caring for critically ill patients, and changing shifts and working hours may aggravate the burden and work-family conflict among nurses. Aim: This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout and work-family conflict among nurses in tertiary care hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. Three tertiary care hospitals in Egypt were selected. 304 nurses participated in the study. Two electronic questionnaires were used; the Nurse Burnout Questionnaire (NBQ), and the Work-Family Conflict Scale. Student t-test, Mann –Whitney test, ANOVA test, and Kruskal Wallis test were utilized. Results: Most nurses had elevated levels of burnout and work-family conflict. In addition, a high significant correlation was found between nurses’ burnout and work-family conflict (p < 0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 had a significant effect on increasing nurse's burnout and work-family conflict. Implication for Nursing Management: More managerial support from nurse managers during challenging times and health crisis can help nurses transit these times with less negative consequences and keep them motivated and less stressed.