RESILIENCE IN HIGH-PRESSURE HEALTHCARE: EXPLORING BURNOUT AND MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS FOR EMERGENCY ROOM (ER) NURSES

In high-intensity clinical settings such as emergency rooms (ERs), nurses are routinely exposed to unpredictable, emotionally charged, and high-stakes situations that contribute to escalating levels of burnout and psychological strain. This systematic review explores the multifaceted phenomenon of burnout among ER nurses and examines evidence-based interventions that enhance resilience and mental well-being. Drawing from recent empirical studies, the analysis identifies key burnout determinants including excessive workloads, exposure to trauma, erratic shifts, and inadequate managerial support. The psychological toll often manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment, thereby compromising both nurse well-being and patient care quality. In response, the review evaluates a range of interventions such as mindfulness training, peer support systems, and institutional reforms demonstrating their collective efficacy in reducing burnout and fortifying resilience. Furthermore, self-regulation strategies, emotional intelligence training, and goal-oriented mindsets emerged as protective factors that empower nurses to remain professionally engaged amid adversity. Findings underscore the necessity of an integrated approach: resilience-building must be institutionalized through leadership-driven initiatives that promote psychological safety, flexible scheduling, and a culture of recognition. Investing in the mental health of ER nurses is both a moral and strategic imperative, essential for sustaining a compassionate and competent emergency care workforce.