Moral Distress and Burnout among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
burnout, professional, cross-sectional studies, critical care nursing, ethical dilemmas, intensive care units, nursesAbstract
Background: Burnout and moral distress are important occupational problems among intensive care unit nurses and may compromise staff well-being, workforce stability, and the quality of patient care
Aims: To assess burnout and examine its association with moral distress among intensive care unit nurses.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among intensive care unit nurses at RSU Mitra Medika Premiere, Medan, Indonesia, from August 13 to September 13, 2025. Of 80 eligible nurses, 64 were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with burnout.
Results: Burnout was identified in 24 of 64 nurses (37.5%). In adjusted analyses, higher moral distress was associated with greater odds of burnout (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.94; 95% CI, 1.15-13.46; P = .029). Working at least 48 hours per week (aOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.01-9.38; P = .047) and having less than 5 years of intensive care unit experience (aOR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.00-7.81; P = .049) were also associated with burnout
Conclusion: Burnout was common among intensive care unit nurses and was associated with moral distress, longer weekly work hours, and shorter intensive care unit experience.
Implication for nursing practice: Routine assessment of burnout and moral distress, workload monitoring, and targeted support for early-career intensive care unit nurses may help strengthen staff well-being and maintain care quality
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