Strategies to Reduce Nurse Burn out in Acute Care

Abstract

Background: Prolonged exposure to stress, emotional strain, and systemic pressures leads to nurse burnout in acute care settings. This is a multidimensional phenomenon that manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Not only does this phenomenon have adverse effects on the well-being of a nurse, but it also affects the safety of patients and the quality of care. Objectives: This thesis aims to explore the main factors causing burnout among nurses in acute care and to identify evidence-based strategies to alleviate the burnout of nurses. Design: A descriptive literature review was conducted using a systematic approach to identify and synthesize research evidence on nurse burnout and interventions in acute care contexts. Data sources: Peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 were retrieved from CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline databases. Only English-language primary research focusing on nurses in acute care settings was included. Review methods: Inductive content analysis was used to identify recurring themes and categories related to causes of burnout and effective intervention strategies. The PICo framework guided the search process, and findings were organized into conceptual categories. Results: The review revealed that nurse burnout in acute care arises from psychological strain, excessive workloads, unsafe and unsupportive work environments, interpersonal and organizational stressors, and maladaptive coping. Effective interventions included mindfulness-based and resilience-building programs, mentorship and cognitivebehavioral training, peer and professional support initiatives, provision of organizational resources such as renewal spaces, and promotion of adaptive coping strategies. Conclusions: Burnout among acute care nurses is both an individual and systemic challenge. Addressing it requires an integrated approach that combines personal resilience training with organizational reforms. Implementing these strategies can prevent and reduce nurse burnout in acute care settings.