Association between role stress and job burnout among clinical research nurses: a cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the levels and correlates of role stress and job burnout among clinical research nurses (CRNs) in tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, and to explore the relationship between these two constructs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to April 2026 in three Grade A tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. A convenience sample of 178 CRNs completed the general information questionnaire, the Role Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). A Pearson's correlation was used to determine the relationship between role stress and job burnout. A linear regression analysis explored the association between role stress and job burnout. Results The mean score rates for role stress and burnout among CRNs were 73.40% ± 15.50% and 65.96% ± 15.41%, respectively. Role conflict scored highest among role stress dimensions (75.51%), while emotional exhaustion was the most prominent burnout dimension (82.3%). Role stress was positively correlated with burnout. Multiple regression showed that role ambiguity and role overload were independently associated with job burnout. Conclusion Our findings indicate that CRNs in tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province experience elevated levels of both role stress and burnout. Role ambiguity and role overload were independently associated with burnout for CRNs. These results highlight the need for organizational interventions that clarify role expectations, provide systematic training, and establish clear career pathways for CRNs.