Lifestyle Behaviors and Burnout in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A National Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Burnout, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and low professional efficacy, is the primary cause of nurse turnover. Healthy behaviors, which vary by geographic region, may reduce burnout. METHOD: Undergraduate nursing students in Northern (n = 257) and Southern (n = 261) programs were surveyed. Multivariate linear regression and dominance analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Expression of burnout did not differ across regions. Social support, associated with reduced cynicism (p = .006) and greater efficacy (p < .001), was the highest-ranking predictor of exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy. Physical activity was associated with reduced exhaustion (p = .027). Healthy diet (p = .035) and regular spiritual practice (p = .044) were associated with increased efficacy. CONCLUSION: Physical activity, social support, a healthy diet, and spiritual practice may prevent burnout in nursing students. Programs that build healthy habits in students may reduce their experience of burnout.