Relationship between workload and burnout syndrome among ICU nursing staff using the NAS scale

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout syndrome among nursing staff in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) represents a growing concern due to high workload demands and the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges of the environment. Objective: to understand the validity and usefulness of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), as well as its impact on the working conditions of nursing staff and the quality of care provided in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Methodology: a search was conducted for articles published in English and Spanish in the PubMed database, the scientific journal Scielo, among others. Sociodemographic questionnaires applied to nursing professionals were analyzed, in addition to the NAS scale to measure workload and Burnout through the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results and Discussion: Burnout syndrome is a state of physical, emotional, mental exhaustion and depersonalization; caused by prolonged exposure to stressful situations in the work environment. Conclusions: Organisational policies should be strengthened through implementation of psychological support strategies and adequate staffing levels to reduce burnout risk and improve quality of patient care.