Background Nurse burnout remains a significant global challenge, exacerbated by rotating shift work, which disrupts circadian rhythms and contributes to psychological strain. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment—outcomes that can compromise patient care and workforce stability. Objective This systematic review examines the association between rotating shift work and nurse burnout, focusing on how specific shift characteristics influence each burnout dimension and exploring contextual moderators such as organizational support and work environment. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2023. Eligible studies investigated hospital-based nurses and evaluated the effects of rotating shift work on burnout outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tool was used for quality assessment. Data were synthesized thematically due to study heterogeneity. Results Fifteen studies were included, primarily cross-sectional in design, with significant variability in burnout measurement tools and shift definitions. Emotional exhaustion was consistently associated with night shifts and irregular rotations. Depersonalization was linked to excessive workload and low social support, while reduced personal accomplishment appeared in contexts of prolonged shift exposure. Organizational support, sleep hygiene, and job autonomy emerged as potential protective factors. However, the lack of quantitative synthesis, high reliance on self-reported data, and publication bias limit the strength of conclusions. Conclusion Rotating shift work contributes significantly to nurse burnout, especially emotional exhaustion. The findings underscore the need for more longitudinal studies, standardized burnout assessments, and tailored interventions. Future research should incorporate effect sizes, subgroup analyses, and moderator evaluations to enhance evidence-based recommendations for shift scheduling and occupational health.
Qtait et al. (2025) studied this question.