Pressures in the Ivory Tower: An Empirical Study of Burnout Scores among Nursing Faculty

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated incidents of burnout among academics in various fields and disciplines. Although burnout has been the subject of extensive research, few studies have focused on nursing faculty. This study aimed to investigate the differences in burnout scores among nursing faculty members in Canada. (2) Method: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected via an online survey in summer 2021 using the Maslach Burnout Inventory general survey and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. (3) Result: Faculty members (n = 645) with full-time employment status, worked more than 45 h, and taught 3–4 courses reported high burnout (score ≥ 3) compared to those teaching 1–2 courses. Although education levels, tenure status or rank, being on a graduate committee, or the percentage of hours dedicated to research and services were considered important personal and contextual factors, they were not associated with burnout. (4) Conclusions: Findings suggest that burnout manifests differently among faculty and at varying degrees. As such, targeted approaches based on individual and workload characteristics should be employed to address burnout and build resilience among faculty to improve retention and sustain the workforce.

Nurturing the scientific mind: resilience and job satisfaction among Saudi faculty

“… Sessions et al (2023) find that resilience enhances teaching effectiveness, especially under challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, Boamah et al (2023) highlight the adverse impact of increased workload and limited adaptability on job satisfaction, indicating a balance between resilience and occupational demands. This interplay between personal well-being and professional demands suggests a nuanced relationship between resilience, adaptability, and job satisfaction, with external support from institutions playing a crucial role in fostering resilience.…”

“…Despite extensive research on faculty job satisfaction ( Szromek and Wolniak, 2020 ), psychological resilience ( Kowler et al, 2023 ), and motivation within academic contexts ( Daumiller et al, 2020 ), significant gaps persist, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabian universities. Most existing studies, such as those by Sessions et al (2023) and Boamah et al (2023) , either focus on individual aspects or overlook the dynamic interplay between these factors, especially within Saudi Arabia’s unique socio-cultural setting. This oversight is critical, considering the rapid socio-economic changes and evolving educational policies in the region.…”

Understanding and Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being among University Faculty: A Narrative Review

“…Better work-life balance significantly associated with intention to stay in academia [236] Nurses Nursing faculty Full-time employment, working over 45 h per week, and teaching 3-4 courses correlated with high burnout [237] Nursing faculty 27% rate of depression; better workplace culture was associated with less depression, anxiety, and burnout [168]…”