Burnout and Job Satisfaction Among Nurses at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Background: Nursing burnout compromises care quality, patient safety, and workforce retention. Systematic assessment of burnout levels and job satisfaction is necessary to inform nurse wellbeing strategies. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and its relationship with job satisfaction among nurses at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, South South Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive correlational design recruited 120 registered nurses through stratified random sampling. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were administered. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, with Pearson's correlation and linear regression applied. Results: Moderate to high burnout was recorded in 61% of respondents. Emotional exhaustion was the most prevalent burnout dimension. A significant negative correlation was found between burnout scores and job satisfaction (r = -0.58, p < 0.01). Heavy workload, insufficient recognition, and poor management support were the strongest predictors. Conclusion: Burnout is highly prevalent and negatively impacts nursing job satisfaction. Institutional interventions including adequate staffing ratios, professional recognition, and structured employee wellness programmes are urgently required in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Keywords: burnout, job satisfaction, nurses, Port Harcourt, workforce wellbeing.