Exploring Burnout and Leadership Mitigation Plans in Academic Nursing Environments

Staff burnout in higher education may affect nursing department functionality. There is limited literature regarding staff burnout and its manifestations in nursing colleges and schools.

This study evaluated academic nurse leaders' perceptions of burnout and mitigation strategies in colleges and schools of nursing.

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey examined burnout and mitigation strategies among associate deans, business officers, and members of the Organizational Leadership Network (n = 105).

Among academic leaders, 57.14% noted that staff burnout was either a notable or a major challenge. Resignations (56.86%) and difficulties in backfilling staff positions (54.90%) were the 2 most common manifestations of staff burnout. However, only a small percentage had an active burnout mitigation strategy for faculty (13.33%) and staff (6.67%).

There is a disconnect between acknowledging burnout as a pressing concern and implementing effective mitigation strategies. By creating a supportive work environment and encouraging professional development, leaders can significantly reduce burnout and enhance overall employee well-being.