Relationship between burnout and occupational fatigue exhaustion and recovery among orthopaedic nurses in Tabriz, Iran: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between burnout and occupational fatigue exhaustion and recovery among orthopaedic nurses in Tabriz, Iran. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional survey and correlational analysis. SETTING: Two hospitals associated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from August to September 2022. PARTICIPANTS: 92 bedside nurses in orthopaedic wards, each with >1 year of clinical experience. OUTCOME MEASURES: Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and occupational fatigue exhaustion/recovery was measured with the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale. Pearson's correlation, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression analyses determined statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean burnout score was 63.65 (±15.88) out of 100 and the recovery rate was 35.43 (±15.60) out of 100. There were significant correlations between total burnout and each of the exhaustion recovery dimensions: chronic fatigue (r=0.70), acute fatigue (r=0.65) and intershift recovery (r=0.56). Nurses exceeding 44 weekly work hours reported higher burnout (66.52±14.77, p=0.005) than those working fewer hours (56.25±16.12, p=0.005). Rotational shift status was associated with increased burnout (64.97±15.32) compared with fixed shifts (55.54±17.42, p=0.04). Chronic fatigue (B=0.39, 95% CI 0.21, 0.57; t=4.29, p<0.001) and intershift recovery (B=-0.241, 95% CI -0.46, -0.02; t=-2.16, p=0.035) were significant predictors of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout is a critical concern among orthopaedic nurses and is significantly linked to occupational fatigue/recovery. Addressing chronic fatigue and enhancing intershift energy recovery could mitigate burnout risk. Therefore, optimising work conditions and schedules and developing tailored recovery protocols are vital to safeguarding orthopaedic nurses' well-being.