The effects of amplitude and stability of circadian rhythm and occupational stress on burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses

Aim To investigate the relation between the circadian rhythm amplitude and stability, and occupational stress with burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among shift working nurses. Background Irregular shift working nurses are prone to burnout syndrome (BS) and job dissatisfaction (JD). circadian rhythm difference and occupational stress might be effective in causing burnout syndrome and dissatisfaction. Design In total, 684 nurses who worked in four teaching hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling in a cross‐sectional design based on STROBE guidelines. Methods The data were collected by the Circadian Type Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multiple linear regression, one‐way ANOVA and independent t test were used for statistical analysis by SPSS v24. Results About 15% of the nurses suffered from high levels of burnout syndrome. Psychological demand (β = 0.022, CI 95% = 0.003‒0.047 and β = 0.016, CI 95% = 0.001‒0.032) and workplace support (β = −0.043, CI 95% = −0.097–0.003 and β = −0.025, CI 95% = −0.046–0.006) were significant predictors of BS and JD. Male nurses reported lower BS and higher JD compared to female nurses. Irregular shift working schedule was also related to a significantly higher odd of BS (p = 0.009) and JD (p = 0.011). Nurses classified as languid experienced significantly more BS and JD than vigorous nurses. Conclusion This study shows that BS and JD were strongly associated with psychological demand and workplace support; and vigorous nurses were less prone to BS and JD, and were more suitable for irregular shift work. Relevance to clinical practice In order to reduce burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses, we need to identify the effect of risk factors such as individual differences on the circadian rhythm and job demand which can affect nurses who work in irregular schedules.