1.1 Introduction
Nurse burnout is defined as a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors experienced in the workplace, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment (Maslach & Leiter, 2017). It is a psychological condition that arises when nurses are subjected to continuous work pressure, high patient loads, inadequate staffing, and insufficient organizational support. In the healthcare sector, nurse burnout is increasingly recognized as a critical problem because it not only affects the well-being of nurses themselves but also has significant implications for patient care delivery, safety, and overall hospital performance.
Client care delivery is the process through which healthcare providers, particularly nurses, attend to the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. Effective client care involves timely intervention, empathy, clear communication, and adherence to professional standards. When nurses experience burnout, their capacity to perform these duties effectively is diminished, resulting in compromised quality of care, increased medical errors, and reduced patient satisfaction (Dyrbye et al., 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In the context of healthcare delivery, nurse burnout has been reported to have far-reaching consequences. According to Aiken et al. (2012), high levels of burnout among nursing staff are associated with increased patient mortality, medical errors, and decreased patient satisfaction. Studies have affirmed that when nurses are subjected to such work-related stressors, their ability to provide attentive, empathetic, and efficient care is compromised, leading to gaps in client care delivery (Shanafelt et al., 2015).
In Nigeria, the nursing profession has a long and distinguished history, with nurses being central to healthcare delivery at all levels. Historically, nurses have faced challenges including poor working conditions, lack of continuous professional development, and limited institutional support, all of which are contributing factors to burnout (Onyishi et al., 2016). Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, established as a tertiary healthcare institution, has grown to become a pivotal center for medical treatment and professional training in the region. However, like many hospitals in Nigeria, it is reported that the institution experiences challenges related to workforce management, workload distribution, and staff well-being, which collectively influence nurse performance and client care outcomes.
Nursing is a vital component of healthcare delivery, and nurses play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of patients. According to Maslach and Leiter (2017), nurse burnout is a prolonged response to chronic workplace stress, manifesting as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It is a phenomenon that has gained significant attention due to its potential to compromise both the health of nurses and the quality of care provided to patients. The demanding nature of the nursing profession, coupled with high patient loads, long shifts, and insufficient support, is reported to contribute significantly to the incidence of burnout among healthcare professionals (Dyrbye et al., 2020).
Shanafelt et al. (2015) asserted that burnout leads to decreased empathy, increased errors, and reduced patient satisfaction, which undermines the overall effectiveness of healthcare services. Similarly, Aiken et al. (2012) stated that inadequate nurse staffing and insufficient professional support are closely associated with higher burnout levels, which in turn negatively affect patient outcomes. It is further affirmed that nurses experiencing burnout may struggle with maintaining professional relationships with patients, leading to diminished quality of care and compromised therapeutic interactions (Salyers et al., 2017).
On the other hand, healthcare institutions rely heavily on the commitment and competence of nursing staff to ensure safe and effective patient care. Researchers contend that addressing the causes and consequences of burnout is essential for sustaining optimal healthcare delivery and maintaining workforce stability (Poghosyan et al., 2010). In Nigeria, and specifically at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, anecdotal reports indicate that nurse burnout has resulted in observable challenges such as delayed patient responses, increased complaints, and lower overall satisfaction with care. These trends suggest a pressing need for systematic investigation into how nurse burnout affects client care delivery in the local context. It is against this backdrop that this study is set, aiming to assess the impact of nurse burnout on client care delivery at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that nursing practice is increasingly becoming demanding, emotionally draining, and mentally overwhelming, particularly in hospital environments that experience high patient loads and limited staffing. At Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, nurses are often at the center of clinical care, yet many of them experience persistent stress, emotional exhaustion, and physical fatigue that directly affect their overall performance. Nurse burnout is emerging as a critical concern because it is capable of reducing motivation, lowering job satisfaction, and diminishing the quality of attention given to clients who rely heavily on nursing support for recovery and well-being (Maslach & Leiter, 2017).
Furthermore, the implications of nurse burnout for client care delivery are troubling. Burnout is associated with poor communication, reduced empathy, delayed response to patients, and increased chances of errors in clinical judgment (Dyrbye et al., 2020). In addition, hospitals rely heavily on nurses to ensure continuity of care, accurate monitoring of patient conditions, and effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the impact of nurse burnout on client care delivery.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of nurse burnout on client care delivery in Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
To achieve this aim, the study has the following objectives:
- To identify the causes of nurse burnout in the hospital setting.
- To determine the effects of nurse burnout on client care delivery.
- To examine the relationship between nurse well-being and patient satisfaction.
- To propose strategies for mitigating nurse burnout and enhancing service quality.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives stated, the research will seek to answer the following questions:
- What are the primary causes of nurse burnout at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara?
- How does nurse burnout affect client care delivery?
- What is the relationship between nurse well-being and patient satisfaction?
- What strategies can be implemented to reduce nurse burnout and improve client care?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between nurse burnout and client care delivery at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between nurse burnout and client care delivery at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Nurse burnout does not significantly affect client care delivery at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
- H1: Nurse burnout significantly affects client care delivery at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help hospital management and policymakers implement strategies to enhance nurse welfare and improve patient outcomes. In addition, this research will contribute to the academic body of knowledge by offering empirical evidence on nurse burnout within the Nigerian healthcare context.
In addition, the study will inform future research and discussions on occupational health, staff retention, and healthcare quality, and will provide a framework for understanding the challenges faced by nurses in tertiary hospitals.
Furthermore, the study will serve as a guide for government agencies, healthcare administrators, and non-governmental organizations in designing policies and programs that will promote mental health and well-being among healthcare professionals.
Lastly, the study will be useful to nursing educators and professional bodies by illustrating the importance of stress management, coping mechanisms, and continuous professional development for nurses.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on assessing the impact of nurse burnout on client care delivery within Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, in Delta State, Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Nurse Burnout: A psychological syndrome resulting from prolonged exposure to work-related stressors, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment (Maslach & Leiter, 2017).
Client Care Delivery: The provision of medical, emotional, and psychological support by healthcare professionals to patients, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being (Dyrbye et al., 2020).
Emotional Exhaustion: A state of feeling emotionally drained and depleted due to continuous work stress (Maslach & Jackson, 1981).
Patient Satisfaction: The perception of patients regarding the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of care received from healthcare providers (Aiken et al., 2012).
Occupational Stress: The physical and emotional strain experienced by employees due to the demands and pressures of their job role (Poghosyan et al., 2010).
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