OCCUPATIONAL WORKLOAD AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AMONG EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NURSES: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Abstract

Nurses form the largest group within the healthcare workforce and are integral to patient care delivery. Emergency nurses, specifically, are responsible for managing acute medical situations, stabilizing patients, and making quick decisions under pressure. To assess the psychological impact of workload on emergency nurses, including burnout, anxiety, and depression. The study utilized a cross-sectional design to investigate the psychological impacts of workload on emergency department nurses in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar. The research was conducted in the emergency departments of Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) and Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), with the study population comprising all emergency nurses working in these hospitals. A census sampling technique was employed, including all registered nurses directly involved in patient care with at least one year of experience, while excluding those in administrative roles. Data was collected using a modified questionnaire adapted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The findings show burnout was widespread, with moderate levels of emotional exhaustion (74.2%) and depersonalization (75.8%) due to high workloads and limited psychological support (26, 30-31). Despite challenges, 84.8% reported positive personal accomplishment, influenced by cultural caregiving values (24, 30). These findings underscore the need for interventions to reduce stress and enhance job satisfaction.