What Causes Burnout?

Nursing burnout is caused by chronic, unrelieved work stress, especially high demands combined with too few resources and too little support

Workload and Scheduling

High patient-to-nurse ratios, heavy workloads, and constant time pressure are core drivers, because they force nurses to rush, skip breaks, and feel they can never provide the level of care they know their patients need.

Long shifts, night shifts, and rotating schedules disrupt sleep and recovery, leading to physical and mental exhaustion over time. 

Work Environment and Management

Poor work environments, characterized by inadequate staffing, lack of equipment or supplies, and inefficient workflows, increase stress because nurses must "do more with less."

Weak leadership, poor communication, limited participation in decisions, and a lack of recognition or support from management and colleagues contribute to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and low control

Emotional Demands of Care

Constant exposure to pain, death, grief, and family distress creates heavy emotional labor, especially when there is little time or support to process these experiences.

Ethical conflicts and fear of making serious errors add moral distress and anxiety