Burnout in new graduate nurses: a concept analysis

New graduate nurses (NGNs) experience higher rates of burnout compared to experienced nurses, and burnout is linked to intention to leave the profession. Despite its importance, the concept of burnout among NGNs is not well understood. As such, we aimed to explore and clarify the concept of burnout among NGNs by identifying its conceptual attributes, antecedents, and consequences.

Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used. CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed were searched for literature between 2015 and 2024 pertaining to burnout among NGNs; 16 articles were included.

The defining attributes of burnout among NGNs are similar to experienced nurses. However, the antecedents differ in terms of acute manifestations and transition shock of the nursing role among NGNs.

The context-specific definition of burnout among NGNs can be used for future research and clinical practice in targeting future workplace policies to identify and prevent burnout among NGNs.

There is a need for healthcare organizations and nursing education programs to support NGNs through structured mentorship, preceptorship, orientation, resilience training, and healthy stress management strategies. Addressing staffing shortages, workplace culture, and mental health support may improve NGN well-being, retention, workforce sustainability, and quality of care across healthcare systems.