Investigating the Effects of Workload Management Strategies on Nurse Practitioner Burnout and Job Satisfaction

Burnout is a critical issue among psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worsened by excessive workloads, productivity demands, and the emotional intensity of patient care (Chi et al., 2024). The negative effects of burnout included diminished job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and increased turnover (Chi et al., 2024). As the demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) grew, addressing these challenges was essential for maintaining a sustainable workforce and ensuring quality patient care. This doctoral project aimed to assess the impact of a workload management strategy on reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among PMHNPs in a hospital setting in Jackson, Mississippi. The doctoral project implemented a workload management approach designed to balance high work demands with improved control over tasks and time management. Data were collected over a four-week period using the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale and a five-question daily survey. Findings indicated increased job satisfaction and care delivery, although challenges related to clinical note completion persisted. The results suggested that while workload management strategies were effective in improving job satisfaction, additional measures were needed to address time management and workload efficiency comprehensively.