Prevalence of Burnout and Associated Work-Related Factors Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses at Tertiary Healthcare Setting, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Burnout among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is an escalating occupational health concern due to the high psychological and physical demands of critical care, with implications for staff well-being, patient safety, and healthcare quality. Despite its importance, limited evidence exists on burnout among ICU nurses in Saudi Arabian tertiary hospitals. This study investigated the prevalence of burnout, associated factors, and potential interventions to reduce stigma and support mental health among ICU nurses at a tertiary healthcare setting, Saudi Arabia. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Simple random sampling selected 250 registered ICU nurses with at least six months of experience. Data was analysed using SPSS v30 with descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings indicated a high prevalence of burnout, with 52% of nurses reporting elevated emotional exhaustion. Burnout was significantly associated with overtime hours (χ2 = 29.155, df = 12, p = 0.015), nurse-to-patient ratios (χ2 = 36.170, df = 20, p = 0.015), shift patterns (day: χ2 = 4.931, df = 8, p = 0.765; night: χ2 = 263 4.226, df = 8, p = 0.836; rotating: χ2 = 3.739, df = 4, p = 0.442), living arrangements ((χ2 = 13.153, df = 16, p = 0.662), and perceived impact on patient outcomes. Participants identified mental health education, anonymous support programmes, psychological check-ins, and leadership encouragement as helpful coping strategies. The study concludes that burnout among ICU nurses is influenced by workload, work schedules, and organisational support, underscoring the need for systemic interventions to enhance nurse well-being and sustain healthcare quality.