A Review of Burnout Experiences Among Nurses in Intensive Care Units
Abstract
Ratidzo Felicia Mamutse, Babafunso Aderemi Adenuga, Esther Kamenye and Taimi Amakali-Nauiseb
Burnout among nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) is a pervasive occupational health challenge with significant implications for healthcare delivery and patient safety. Defined by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, burnout is particularly prevalent in ICUs due to high patient acuity, prolonged shifts, and exposure to life-threatening conditions. Globally, studies highlight that ICU nurses experience overwhelming fatigue, moral distress, and psychological strain, often linked to inadequate institutional support and resource constraints. In sub-Saharan Africa, these challenges are compounded by systemic issues such as understaffing, limited protective equipment, and insufficient psychosocial support, leading to heightened emotional exhaustion and workforce instability. ICU nurses consistently report three dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Coping mechanisms include peer support, spirituality, and adaptive problem-solving, yet resilience alone cannot offset systemic shortcomings. The literature underscores the urgent need for mental health support, workforce policies, and resource provision to safeguard nurse well-being and ensure patient safety. Documenting ICU nurses’ experiences provides critical insights into both the human and institutional dimensions of burnout, informing strategies to strengthen resilience and improve healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings.