Burnout among intensive care nurses and the role of social support: A narrative review

Introduction: Burnout is a growing phenomenon in the healthcare sector, particularly affecting nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Purpose: To identify burnout among Intensive Care Nurses and the role of social support.

Methodology: This narrative review was based on a bibliographic search of reviews and research studies drawn from international databases. The language other than English and Greek was the exclusion criterion for the articles.

Results: This literature review explores the causes and consequences of burnout among ICU nurses, the importance of social support, and recommended interventions drawn from the literature. Factors such as work intensity, time pressure, crisis management, and exposure to human suffering increase the vulnerability of these intensive care unit nurses. Research indicates that social support is a vital protective factor that can alleviate burnout symptoms and bolster the mental resilience of healthcare professionals.

Conclusion: Burnout is a critical issue for ICU nurses, leading to serious consequences for their personal well-being and the quality of care they provide. Appropriate measures, such as social support for ICU nurses, are urgently needed to mitigate the effects of burnout and ensure optimal patient care