Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Job-Related Stress, and Burnout in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study

Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms, stress, and burnout contribute to nurse attrition. This study builds on previous research about physical strain in nurses by exploring the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and two occupational psychological factors: job-related stress and burnout. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study utilized an online survey to assess musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), job-related stress (Job Content Questionnaire), and burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory). The survey also included questions about sociodemographics, work information, COVID-19-related stress level, and likelihood of leaving current position. A logistic regression model assessed musculoskeletal symptoms for associations with Job Content Questionnaire and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory scores while controlling for personal and work-related factors. Findings: Fifty-three percent of nurses in the sample (N = 173) indicated limited functional activity due to musculoskeletal symptoms. High overall burnout approached a significant association with limited function (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [0.995, 1.28], p = .06). The odds of having limited function were 15.32 times higher (OR = 15.32, 95% CI [3.10, 75.82], p = .01) in nurses who were very likely to leave their job in the next year. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: Limited function due to musculoskeletal symptoms was significantly associated with nurse attrition and approached a significant association with high burnout. Nurse attrition is costly to healthcare organizations and compromises patient safety. Future interventions aimed at musculoskeletal health and attrition in nurses should reduce job-related stress and burnout, in addition to reducing physical strain.