This study was to identify the effects of empowerment and emotional intelligence in the relationship between clinical practicum stress and burnout among nursing college students.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 247 students enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate nursing program at one university located in Seoul and two universities at Chungcheongnam-do, with a practicum experience at least one semester. Data were collected by convenience sampling using self-reported questionnaires that consisted of general characteristics, clinical practicum stress, empowerment, emotional intelligence, and burnout. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression.

Major findings were as follows. First, clinical practicum stress had a significant positive effect on burnout. Second, empowerment and emotional intelligence had significant negative effects on burnout. Third, emotional intelligence had a moderating effect between clinical practicum stress and burnout, but empowerment did not.

Results of the study suggest that a need to reduce the degree of burnout by enhancing empowerment and emotional intelligence of nursing college students. Further development and application of programs which can improve nursing college students’ empowerment and emotional intelligence are needed.