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Am J Perinatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2607-2706
Original Article

Using Measures of Psychological Resilience to Predict Burnout among NICU Nurses

Timothy G. Elgin 
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
2   Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
,
Emily Spellman
3   Department of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
,
Emily O'Dowd
2   Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
,
Paul O'Connor
2   Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
4   Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
,
Angela O'Dea
2   Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
4   Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective

Psychological resilience (PR) is a trait that supports individuals as they attempt to overcome the negative factors and stressors experienced in life. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses encounter considerable stress while providing care for medically vulnerable infants and because of this, are at risk for emotional burnout (EB). Literature suggests that PR may protect against burnout but investigation of PR and its relationship with EB in NICU nurses is limited.

Study Design

The ResMed PR questionnaire and the Emotional Burnout scale (EBS) were distributed to both day and night-shift neonatal nurses with over 6 months of experience working at a large academic NICU in order to investigate the relationship between these two concepts.

Results

In total 92 of 124 NICU nurses returned the survey, resulting in a response rate of 74%. The mean years of NICU nursing experience was 9.30. The average total ResMed score was 68.65 with domain scores of 21.78 for job-related gratification, 28.69 for protective practices, and 18.2 for protective attitudes. Regression analysis demonstrated a negative relationship between PR and EB, indicating that higher PR was associated with lower EB and suggesting a protective effect of PR against EB.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into levels of PR and burnout amongst NICU nurses within a large academic NICU. These findings allow for the development of programs and strategies by healthcare leaders and institutions to maximize neonatal nursing health and well-being.

Key Points

  • This study found a negative relationship between PR subscales and EB.

  • This indicates that higher PR is associated with lower burnout.

  • In this study, 40% of nurses tested positive for EB.

  • Interventions targeted at improving nursing PR may be effective in managing EB.

Keywords

neonatal nursing - emotional burnout - resiliency - NICU

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 15 January 2025

Accepted: 13 May 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
14 May 2025

Article published online:
24 June 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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