Psychological resilience and burnout prevention among critical care nurses during extended public health emergencies and crisis response periods

Ayodele, Christianah Oluwabunmi and Olaniyi, Esther Oludele and Udokporo, Chukwuebuka Francis (2025) Psychological resilience and burnout prevention among critical care nurses during extended public health emergencies and crisis response periods. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 16 (1). pp. 1529-1538. ISSN 2582-8185

Critical care nurses serve as the frontline workforce during public health emergencies and crisis response periods, facing unprecedented psychological stressors that significantly impact their mental health and professional performance. This comprehensive review examines the psychological resilience factors and burnout prevention strategies among critical care nurses during extended crisis periods, with particular focus on recent public health emergencies. Through systematic analysis of psychological stressors, resilience mechanisms, and evidence-based interventions, this review identifies key factors contributing to nurse burnout including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, moral distress, and reduced personal accomplishment. The review explores individual resilience characteristics such as emotional regulation, coping strategies, social support systems, and adaptive thinking patterns that serve as protective factors against burnout. Organizational-level interventions encompassing leadership support, workload management, staff wellness programs, and resilience training initiatives are thoroughly evaluated. Additionally, the review highlights emerging innovations in mental health support including digital wellness platforms, peer support networks, and evidence-based psychological interventions. By synthesizing current research findings, this paper provides evidence-based recommendations for developing comprehensive burnout prevention programs and enhancing psychological resilience among critical care nurses during crisis periods, ultimately improving patient care quality and healthcare system sustainability.