Moral stress and burnout: qualitative content analysis.

The aim of the present study was to describe and interpret the narrative of an Australian nurse's experience of burnout. A qualitative content analysis was used for the text of the interview. The main findings of this study concern moral stress and burnout. Three themes were identified: shortcomings and health problems; hovering between suffering and desire; and responsibility for oneself. All themes are related to the nurse's identity, the nurse's personal experience of, and reflections on, ethical problems and the existential issues of suffering, and the responsibilities and difficulties nurses face. The findings are explained and discussed in light of several theories. In conclusion, nurses' needs have to be recognized. They need both emotional support and the right to receive systematic clinical supervision to help them reflect on their practical work and interpret the needs of patients.