<![CDATA[Background: Operating-room nurses face continuous physical, mental, time-related, and responsibility demands that may predispose them to occupational fatigue, yet the extent to which workload relates to fatigue in this high-risk perioperative setting remains insufficiently documented at the local level. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between workload and occupational fatigue among nurses in the Operating Room Installation of Dr. Etik Asharto Hospital, Batu City. Methods: A quantitative correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 15 operating-room nurses selected through total sampling. Workload was measured using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and occupational fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Univariate analysis used descriptive statistics, and bivariate analysis used Spearman's rank correlation test. Results: Most nurses had a high workload (46.7%), followed by very high workload (40.0%) and moderately high workload (13.3%); no nurse reported low or moderate workload. The highest mean NASA-TLX dimension was frustration (73.53 ± 15.21). Most nurses experienced extreme fatigue (73.3%), while 26.7% experienced fatigue; none reported being free of fatigue. Spearman's rank correlation showed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between workload and occupational fatigue (rₛ = 0.704; p = 0.003; n = 15). Conclusion: Workload is strongly and significantly associated with occupational fatigue among operating-room nurses. Hospitals are encouraged to periodically evaluate workload distribution, shift patterns, staffing adequacy, and rest periods to reduce the risk of nurse fatigue.]]>
