Mental health status of mental health nurses in China: Results from a national survey

Introduction: It has been acknowledged in China that actions should be taken immediately to ease the critical shortage of psychiatric nurses. However, with national data lacking, little is known about nurses' mental health status. Aim: To evaluate psychiatric nurses' mental health status by measuring their burnout, depression, anxiety and stress. Methods: All psychiatric nurses in the 41 selected hospitals in China were invited to participate in the survey. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used to assess variables of interest. Results: 38.6% of psychiatric nurses met the criteria for burnout. The rates of depression, anxiety and stress were 26.3%, 36.4% and 12.5%, respectively. It was found that workplace region, educational level, working years, longer working hours and night shifts were associated with risk of burnout and DASS. Conclusions: More than a quarter of psychiatric nurses are suffering from burnout, depression or anxiety in China. Policymakers and hospital administrators should design a flexible schedule and restrict working hours for psychiatric nurses to achieve work-life balance. Implications for Practice: The study informs policymakers and administrators on addressing the nursing shortage by identifying nurses immersed in negative emotions and preventing mental health problems.