Counsellors’ Role in Mitigating Occupational Burnout Among Nurses in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State

Occupational burnout among healthcare professionals in Nigerian tertiary health institutions has been documented as a critical challenge affecting service quality, staff retention, and patient outcomes. This study examined the role of counsellors in mitigating occupational burnout among nurses at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 150 nurses and 12 available counsellors and welfare officers participating. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Counsellor Role Perception Scale were administered. Data were analysed using means, frequencies, and Pearson correlation. Findings indicated that over 60 percent of nurses experienced moderate to high emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. The majority of nurses were either unaware of available counselling services or did not believe such services were relevant to occupational burnout. Counsellors reported a lack of mandate and institutional framework for engaging with staff rather than only patients. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses' utilisation of counselling services and lower burnout scores. The study recommended that the hospital management formalise an employee assistance programme with counsellors specifically designated for staff welfare, including burnout assessment, stress management workshops, and individual support sessions. Keywords: occupational burnout, nurses, counsellor role, teaching hospital, Cross River State.