Burnout among Nurses: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Burnout among nurses is a significant occupational health concern with serious implications for nurse well-being, patient care, and
healthcare system sustainability. Nurses are particularly vulnerable due to sustained exposure to heavy workloads, emotional demands, staffing shortages, and organizational stressors. Evidence indicates a high prevalence of burnout among nurses globally and in India, especially in high-acuity clinical settings. Major contributing factors include excessive workload, inadequate staffing, poor leadership support, workplace violence, emotional labor, and work–life imbalance. Burnout is associated with adverse outcomes, such as physical and psychological health problems among nurses, compromised patient safety and quality of care, reduced job satisfaction, and increased absenteeism and turnover. The review highlights that effective prevention and management of burnout require integrated individual- and organizational-level strategies, emphasizing early assessment, supportive leadership, and improved work environments to promote nurse well-being and sustain quality healthcare delivery.