Reframing Burnout: Measuring “Altruistic Execution” to Understand Nurse Burnout

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2024

Publisher

SAGE

Source Publication

Western Journal of Nursing Research

Source ISSN

0193-9459

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1177/01939459241279502

Abstract

Background:

Many nurses join the profession because they have altruistic intentions, but some nurses experience barriers to acting on altruistic intentions which may be a source of job dissatisfaction or burnout.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate construct validity, internal consistency, and convergence reliability of the Nursing Altruistic Execution Scale (NAES), a novel instrument assessing the perceived ability to help others through work.

Methods:

The NAES was developed based upon a literature review examining altruistic behavior as a motivator for nursing work, with expert feedback for instrument refinement. Participants completed the NAES, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory Work-Related Burnout Scale, and Satisfaction of Employees in Health Care Survey. Exploratory factor analysis examined construct validity and factor loadings. Confirmatory factor analysis verified consistency in factor structure. Linear regression assessed for convergence reliability with burnout and job satisfaction.

Results:

The sample included 843 acute care hospital nurses surveyed in January-March 2023. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution, named altruistic engagement with work and workplace barriers to altruism. Nine instrument items were retained and demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.79). There was a significant relationship between both factors of the NAES and both burnout and job satisfaction, demonstrating that greater altruistic execution is associated with lower burnout and greater job satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Preliminary findings support the use of the NAES as a valid and reliable scale. Findings show there is correlation between altruistic intentions and burnout. Interventions aimed at enhancing altruistic execution may reduce nurse burnout and thereby improve retention.

Comments

Western Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 46, No. 11 (November 2024): 941-948. DOI.

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