Identifying latent burnout profiles in nursing students to inform mental health support strategies

• Burnout varies among nursing students and shifts across the semester. • This study identifies four burnout profiles and how demographics shape them. • Results guide tailored supports to improve student wellbeing and readiness. This study aimed to identify burnout profiles and examine demographic factors influencing burnout among practical nursing students. Academic burnout significantly affects nursing students’ well-being and academic performance. Because burnout presents differently across individuals and shifts over time, identifying patterns is essential for recognizing students at risk of decreased engagement and poorer outcomes. Descriptive longitudinal study. Fourth-semester practical nursing students ( n = 90) at a Canadian community college completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Latent Profile Analysis was used to identify burnout profiles and examine associations with demographic variables. Four burnout profiles emerged at semester start: Engaged (39%), Overextended (27%), Ineffective (24%), and Burnout (8%). By semester end, profiles shifted to Overextended (30%), Ineffective (30%), and Engaged (26%), and Burnout (12%) indicating reduced engagement and heightened burnout risk over time. Burnout patterns varied by age, gender, and race. Demographic factors shape how students experience burnout. Tailored interventions that address the specific needs of diverse student groups are essential for promoting mental well-being, preventing burnout, and supporting students’ transition into the nursing workforce.