Burnout among Nurses

Results are presented of a cross-national study on burnout among 200 Polish and 183 Dutch female nurses. The reliablity and the factorial validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is satisfactory in both countries. However, evidence for the content validity of the MBI is likewise equivocal in both samples. Polish nurses are significantly more burned out than their Dutch colleagues, even after controlling for differences in work situations in both countries. Subjective work stressors (i.e., uncertainty and a perceived imbalance between investments and outcomes in relationships with patients) contribute most strongly to bumout in Polish as well as in Dutch nurses. Personality characteristics and aspects of the work situation play a less prominent role. Although the work situation of Polish and Dutch nurses differs considerably, psychological variables-notably, experienced job stress-are likewise crucial in understanding burnout among nurses of both countries.