Abstract
Burnout among ICU nurses is a significant concern due to the intense demands of critical care work. Defined by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment, burnout affects nurses' well-being and compromises patient safety and healthcare quality. Limited research has explored this issue in Saudi Arabian tertiary hospitals. This study assessed burnout prevalence, associated factors, and supportive interventions for ICU nurses at selected City Hospital. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, employing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS). The study took place at a selected City, a major tertiary centre in Riyadh with specialised ICUs. Eligible participants were full-time registered ICU nurses with at least six months of experience. Nurses in managerial roles or on extended leave were excluded. Simple random sampling produced 250 responses, slightly above the required sample of 235. A structured questionnaire captured demographic data, work-related characteristics, and burnout dimensions. Data were analysed using SPSS v30 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained, and participation was voluntary and anonymous.
Results showed a high prevalence of burnout, with 52% of nurses reporting elevated emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was significantly associated with living arrangements, overtime, staffing ratios, and perceived effects on patient outcomes. Depersonalisation was linked to shift patterns, working hours, and workload intensity. Younger nurses and those with less ICU experience reported higher burnout scores, suggesting that experience and social support may buffer stress. Participants identified several helpful strategies, including mental health education, anonymous support programmes, psychological check-ins, and leadership involvement. These findings highlight the importance of organisational culture and the role of management in reducing workplace stress. The results align with the Job Demands–Resources model, which explains how high job demands combined with limited organisational support increase burnout risk.
In conclusion, burnout among ICU nurses is influenced by workload pressures, shift schedules, and institutional factors. Its effects extend beyond nurse well-being to patient safety and overall healthcare performance. Addressing burnout should be prioritised within workforce policies and hospital quality improvement initiatives to sustain a resilient and effective critical care nursing workforce.