From passion to pressure

BACKGROUND: Nurse leader burnout has intensified due to increasing operational demands, workforce shortages, and prolonged stressors amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding contributors to burnout and protective factors is essential to sustaining leadership capacity and workforce stability. PURPOSE: This article examines the prevalence, drivers, and outcomes of burnout among nurse leaders and explores changes in well-being, job satisfaction, and work-related stress over time. METHODS: A repeated cross-sectional survey was administered to members of the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The survey incorporated items from the Mini Z burnout tool and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, along with demographic and open-ended questions. Descriptive and comparative analyses were used to evaluate trends. RESULTS: Across 295 responses, nurse leaders reported improvements in job satisfaction, autonomy, and perceived time adequacy. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization decreased over time; however, reports of workplace stress increased. Work-life balance and meaningful work consistently emerged as key factors for thriving. CONCLUSION: Although indicators of burnout have improved, persistent and rising stress highlights the need for sustained organizational and individual interventions. Ongoing investment in support, autonomy, and well-being strategies is critical to nurse leader resilience and retention.