“Wheels stuck in the mud”: A qualitative study of experiences of academic burnout in graduate nursing students
Nurse Education Today(2024)
Abstract
Background
Academic burnout is widespread in higher education, affecting academic achievements, professional development, and physical and mental health. Previous related research lacks qualitative studies on graduate nursing students.
Aim
This study aims to provide valuable information to relevant authorities and stakeholders by identifying the key experiences associated with academic burnout in graduate nursing students.
Design
An exploratory qualitative research design.
Settings
This research was carried out at two medical universities located in the southern region of China.
Participants
Nineteen enrolled graduate nursing students.
Methods
Data collection spanned from December 2023 to January 2024. After obtaining informed consent from the participants, the researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data processing and analysis were based on Giorgi's phenomenological method. The reporting of this study strictly adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).
Results
Nineteen participants completed the interviews, ranging in age from 22 to 42 years and including sixteen females and three males. “Wheels stuck in mud” was the core construct that explained graduate nursing students' academic burnout. Analyses revealed four themes: invisible hand, a battle with myself, two choices, find my way.
Conclusion
The academic burnout of nursing graduate students is perceived as a psychological dilemma akin to being “wheels stuck in mud.” It is driven by an invisible force composed of multiple components, leading to intense internal struggles for individuals. Individuals exhibit two distinct trends in their academic performance: either “remaining detached and indifferent to academics” or “overcommitting and self-exploiting.” It is encouraged to conduct intervention using an integrative strategy based on acceptance and commitment therapy, self-disclosure, and mindfulness.
MoreTranslated text
Key words
Graduate nursing students,Academic burnout,Qualitative study,Phenomenology
AI Read Science
Must-Reading Tree
Example
![](https://originalfileserver.aminer.cn/sys/aminer/pubs/mrt_preview.jpeg)
Generate MRT to find the research sequence of this paper
Chat Paper
Summary is being generated by the instructions you defined