Effects of Educational Competency, Core Competency, Self-Leadership, and Job Stress on Burnout of Nurse Preceptors

Purpose Nurse preceptors play a crucial role in training newly graduated nurses. However, they often face burnout due to dual responsibilities, nursing and teaching. This study aimed to examine the correlations among educational competency, core competency, self-leadership, job stress, and burnout, and to identify factors influencing burnout. Methods The data of this cross-sectional study were collected in hospitals affiliated with K University Medical Center in Seoul from December 20, 2023, to January 10, 2024. Data was analyzed using SPSS 29.0, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé’s test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results A total of 240 responses were analyzed. There was significant correlation between burnout and educational competency (r = –.505, p < .001), core competency (r = –.408, p < .001), as well as self-leadership (r = –.393, p < .001), and job stress (r = .504, p < .001). A stepwise multiple regression model explained 46% of the variance in burnout (R² = .460, F = 49.998, p < .001), with job stress, educational competency, self‐leadership, and preference for sustained role engagement emerging as significant predictors. Furthermore, this study found that burnout and competencies varied according to factors such as work department, educational level, job satisfaction, workload, sex, total clinical experience, and marital status. Conclusion These findings emphasize the need for targeted educational programs and support systems to reduce job stress and burnout, thereby enhancing nursing quality.