Gen Z Nurses: Examining the Direct and Indirect Effects of Job Burnout on Work Satisfaction and the Mediating Role of the Nurse Work Environment.
Background: Job burnout is one of the most pressing issues facing new cohorts of nurses worldwide, including Generation Z (Gen Z) nurses. Numerous reports have confirmed the relative importance of implementing a favorable work environment to reduce job burnout and improve work satisfaction in nurses; however, no studies have examined these relationships among Gen Z nurses.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of job burnout on work satisfaction in Gen Z nurses, with a particular focus on the mediating role of the nurse work environment, specifically within acute care settings.
Methods: A descriptive research design was used to gather data. A total of 232 Gen Z nurses across different acute care hospitals in 11 governorates in Oman were surveyed using three standardized scales.
Results: Gen Z nurses (N = 177) experienced high levels of burnout and reported moderate levels of work satisfaction (M = 2.74, SD = 0.82). A modest but statistically significant inverse relationship was found between burnout and work satisfaction (β = -0.245, p < 0.001; 95% CI [-0.029, -0.009]). Further, the nurse practice environment showed evidence of partial mediation in this relationship (β = -0.206, p = 0.002; 95% CI [-0.026, -0.006]), suggesting that the quality of the work environment may influence how burnout affects satisfaction.
Conclusions: The study's results highlight the importance of creating a favorable work environment as a potential strategy to mitigate job burnout and enhance work satisfaction among Gen Z nurses, particularly in acute care settings. Nurse managers should foster a supportive work environment through flexible policies, leadership, training, and a strong wellness culture that prioritizes the well-being of staff. Additionally, nursing education should focus on resilience-building and stress management to prepare Gen Z nurses for complex workplaces, ultimately reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.