Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout and emotional exhaustion among nursing professionals

Background: Nursing professionals work in demanding clinical environments that involve long working hours, heavy workloads, emotional responsibilities, staff shortages and continuous exposure to patients' suffering. These challenges can contribute to occupational stress, burnout and emotional exhaustion. Mindfulness-based interventions have received increasing attention as supportive approaches for improving psychological well-being and managing work-related stress. Aim: To review the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing burnout and emotional exhaustion among nursing professionals and examine their potential role in improving resilience, emotional regulation and professional well-being. Methods: This narrative review synthesises selected peer-reviewed studies, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning mindfulness interventions among nursing professionals. The literature includes research on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), mindfulness meditation, mindful breathing and related programmes. Selected evidence published from 1981 to 2026 was considered, including foundational literature on burnout and mindfulness. Results: Available research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may improve stress management, emotional awareness, resilience and psychological well-being among nurses. Several studies have reported reductions in burnout and emotional exhaustion. However, findings are not completely consistent. Differences in intervention duration, sample size, outcome measurements and study quality influence the reported results. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based interventions are promising supportive strategies for reducing occupational stress and improving emotional well-being among nursing professionals. Their effectiveness is likely to be greater when combined with organisational support, adequate staffing, supportive leadership and healthy workplace policies. Further high-quality studies are required to establish their long-term effectiveness.