Burnout Syndrome and Work Passion among Thai Nurses: A Study from Bangkok
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nurse burnout has increased substantially following the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the mental health and work performance of professional nurses. Work passion, a positive emotional and cognitive state reflecting meaningful professional engagement, may serve as a protective factor against burnout.
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between burnout and work passion, as well as factors supporting work passion, among professional nurses at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, during the period from September 2024 to June 2025.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 nurses using a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic data, burnout, and work passion. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests to examine associations between demographic variables and levels of burnout or work passion. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to explore relationships among burnout, work passion, and related subfactors.
RESULTS: Burnout was most prevalent in surgical, obstetric, and internal medicine units. Work passion differed significantly by age and education level, with nurses aged over 40 years and those holding a master’s degree reporting higher levels of passion. Work passion was negatively correlated with burnout (r=–0.296, p<0.01). Factors most strongly associated with lower burnout included autonomy, fairness, work-life balance, psychological support, collaboration, role model, recognition and spirituality.
CONCLUSIONS: Work passion helps mitigate burnout among nurses by enhancing psychological resilience and overall well-being. Promoting fairness, supportive work environments, and meaningful collaboration—particularly in high-acuity units—can reduce burnout and foster long-term professional retention and sustainable, high-quality patient care.
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