10 States Where Nurse Burnout Is Out of Control — Is Yours on the List?

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Nurse burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a crisis affecting nearly a third of U.S. registered nurses, pushing many to leave the profession entirely. A new study by Nursa has revealed the top 10 states where nurses face the highest risk of burnout, highlighting the urgent need for action and support within the nursing community.

Top Nurse Burnout States: Colorado Leads the List

Colorado has been named the nurse burnout capital of the U.S., with a burnout score of 8.42 out of 10. Nurses in Colorado are responsible for an average of 155 patients each—the second-highest patient load in the nation. Coupled with a high cost of living and only moderate compensation, these factors have driven job satisfaction down to a concerning 3.4 out of 10 for Colorado nurses.

Arizona and New York follow closely, with burnout scores of 8.31 and 8.14, respectively. Arizona’s nurses face a heavy patient load (148 per nurse) and a cost of living 11.2% above the national average. New York’s nurses, while managing fewer patients, endure longer hours and a cost of living 23% higher than the national average, all while receiving lower compensation.

Here are the top 10 states with the highest nurse burnout risk according to the Nursa study:

1. Colorado
2. Arizona
3. New York
4. North Carolina
5. Delaware
6. Maryland
7. Nevada
8. Montana
9. Pennsylvania
10. Maine

Why Are Nurses Burning Out?

The study’s findings echo what many nurses already know: burnout is driven by a perfect storm of factors, including:

• High patient loads: More patients per nurse means less time for each individual, more stress, and greater risk of errors.
• Cost of living: When pay doesn’t keep up with local expenses, financial stress adds to workplace strain.
• Low job satisfaction: Feeling undervalued, unsupported, or overworked erodes morale and contributes to emotional exhaustion.

Recent findings from Nurse.org's 2024 State of Nursing survey offer a more nuanced perspective. The survey revealed that while nurse burnout remains a significant issue, overall happiness and job satisfaction among nurses had improved compared to previous years. Forty-four percent more nurses said they were happy to have chosen the profession versus prior year, and job satisfaction rose by 64%. Still, the report emphasized that the profession has a long way to go, with more than half of nurses reporting burnout in the past year and many citing staffing issues and lack of support as ongoing challenges

Where Burnout Risk Is Lowest

Rhode Island is a notable outlier, with the lowest burnout risk in the nation (score: 4.46/10). Despite long workweeks and a high cost of living, nurses in Rhode Island care for significantly fewer patients—just 91 per nurse. Most notably, 93% of Rhode Island nurses report high job satisfaction, earning the state a perfect 10/10 on the Satisfaction Index.

The key takeaway? A manageable workload, not just higher pay, is critical for nurse well-being.

What Can Nurses and Leaders Do?

Burnout isn’t inevitable. Here are evidence-based strategies nurses and healthcare leaders can implement to turn the tide:

• Prioritize manageable workloads: Advocate for safe staffing ratios and push back against unsustainable patient assignments.
• Foster open communication: Build a culture where nurses can voice concerns without fear of reprisal.
• Promote work-life balance: Encourage the use of vacation time and flexible scheduling to ensure adequate rest and recovery.
• Recognize and reward nurses: Regular acknowledgment of hard work boosts morale and job satisfaction.
• Provide access to mental health resources: Counseling, peer support, and resilience training can help nurses manage stress and emotional strain.
• Invest in mentorship and professional development: Support from experienced colleagues and opportunities for growth can reduce feelings of isolation and stagnation.

A Call to Action

Nurse burnout is a national issue with local solutions. Whether you’re working in a high-burnout state or a low-risk state, your voice matters. Advocate for yourself and your colleagues. Share your experiences. Push for policies that prioritize nurse well-being and patient safety.

The data is clear: when nurses are supported, everyone benefits—nurses, patients, and the entire healthcare system.

 

🤔 Nurses, how is burnout impacting your work? What changes would make the biggest difference in your state? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.