Burnout During Residency: A Thematic Analysis of Stressors, Coping, and Organisational Challenges Among Nursing Residents.

Abstract

Burnout is a pervasive challenge among healthcare professionals in training, with significant implications for both well-being and quality of care. This qualitative study, using a phenomenological design, explored the experiences of nursing residents regarding sources of stress, coping strategies, and organisational challenges, and how these factors contribute to the development of burnout. Three focus groups were conducted with 24 nursing residents. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were constructed: peer solidarity as a protective shield, navigating institutional abandonment, the crushing weight of unmanaged demands, the "lottery of learning," and the sacrifice of personal identity. Participants described residency as a demanding and disorganised stage, characterised by heavy workloads, inconsistent educational opportunities, and scarce institutional support. These conditions fostered emotional exhaustion and frustration, but peer networks were identified as a crucial protective factor, providing informal learning, solidarity, and resilience. The findings highlight the need for organisational reform in residency programmes, including greater educational equity, improved leadership, and spaces for dialogue and mentoring. Recognising the role of peer support alongside institutional responsibility can contribute to building more humane, sustainable, and ethically grounded training environments.