BURNOUT SYNDROME IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES: CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Abstract

Burnout Syndrome is a significant occupational health problem that greatly affects nursing professionals, especially those working in the operating room, characterized by intense pressure, a fast-paced work environment, and high responsibility for patient care. The increasing prevalence of psychological illnesses in this category has attracted scientific and institutional attention, highlighting the need to understand the triggering factors, impacts, and coping strategies in the face of this complex work reality. The overall objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the development of Burnout Syndrome among nurses working in operating rooms and to identify preventive strategies capable of reducing emotional distress. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the BVS, BDENF, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases, using the descriptors Burnout, Nursing, and Occupational Health, considering publications between 2019 and 2024. The results demonstrate a high prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low professional accomplishment, mainly related to work overload, human resource deficits, lack of institutional support, and insufficient professional recognition. Furthermore, coping strategies associated with psychological support, professional development, and resilience building were identified as alternatives to minimize the impacts of occupational stress. It is concluded that Burnout Syndrome represents a significant risk to the health of nurses and to the quality of care, requiring effective organizational policies, more humanized environments, and continuous interventions for prevention and health promotion.