Impact of Workload on the Burnout Rate of Emergency Ward Nurses and the Relational Influences of their Work Environment, Job Stress and Stress Management in Ghanaian Public Hospitals

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between workload (WL) and burnout (BO) among emergency ward nurses in selected public hospitals across Ghana. It further investigated the moderating roles of work environment (WE), job stress (JS), and stress management (SM) on this direct relationship. Guided by the positivist philosophical paradigm, the research adopted a quantitative approach and explanatory research design. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, with proportional simple random sampling employed to select 496 valid respondents from a target population of emergency nurses. Analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM). The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between workload and burnout. This relationship was moderated by all three variables: a supportive work environment and effective stress management practices weakened the impact of workload on burnout, while job stress intensified it. Specifically, work environment and stress management served as protective buffers, whereas job stress amplified emotional exhaustion, confirming their respective moderating roles. The study recommends that hospital management should implement policies that promote healthy work environments, proactive stress management, and systematic workload regulation. Such initiatives will enhance nurse well-being, reduce burnout, and improve the overall quality of emergency care delivery. These findings support broader efforts to strengthen occupational health frameworks and workforce sustainability in Ghana’s healthcare sector.