Burnout Levels and Associated Factors Among Newly Graduated Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The transition into the workplace exposes newly graduated nurses to significant stressors and challenges that enhance their vulnerability to burnout. However, evidence on the level of burnout and its related factors in newly graduated nurses remains limited.

To determine the prevalence and severity of burnout among newly graduated nurses, identify its associated factors, and examine differences across geographic regions and before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Japan Medical Abstracts Society, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was performed from inception to July 2024. Pooled mean scores for three subscales of the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory were calculated using R software (Version 4.4.1) to assess burnout levels. Publication bias tests, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup analyses were performed. Burnout prevalence and associated factors were summarized using narrative synthesis.

Forty-five studies involving 18,203 newly graduated nurses were included. The reported rates of high-level burnout ranged widely from 1.0% to 78.3%. The pooled mean scores were 28.39 (95% CI: 26.17-30.61) for Emotional Exhaustion, 11.48 (95% CI: 9.40-13.55) for Depersonalization, and 24.99 (95% CI: 21.22-28.76) for Personal Accomplishment. Subgroup analyses showed that newly graduated nurses in Asia had higher depersonalization (12.48 vs. 8.24) and lower personal accomplishment scores (22.34 vs. 32.99) than non-Asian counterparts (both p < 0.01). Factors associated with burnout included personal traits and competencies (such as coping strategies and psychological capital), work-related factors (such as work environment and workplace bullying and incivility), and other factors such as social support; however, evidence regarding sociodemographic factors was mixed.

Newly graduated nurses experienced severe burnout, especially in Asia. Factors related to burnout among newly graduated nurses are multifaceted, highlighting the need for nursing managers to prioritize targeted strategies to facilitate their transition to professional roles. Structured orientation, effective preceptorship, supportive work environments, and accessible psychological support may help reduce burnout among newly graduated nurses.