Experiences of Nurses Regarding Self-Care: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Nurses are susceptible to burnout, making it crucial for them to engage in self-care. This review consolidated the experiences of nurses regarding self-care. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception till October 2024: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. The enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research statements and Sandelowski and Barroso's guidelines guided this review. Quality appraisal of included studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Data were thematically synthesized. Confidence in review findings was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach. Three main themes were identified from the 24 included studies: (1) Being a nurse: An occupational hazard towards self-care, (2) Catalyst towards self-care, and (3) Call to action. Nurses' poor engagement in self-care practices were due to work-related challenges (e.g., working hours), poor self-care awareness, and negative influence from their colleagues and leaders. Conversely, nurses were motivated to engage in self-care when they received encouragement from their peers and leaders.