Aim:The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to burnout among nurses.Background: Burnout remains one of the major occupational health problems, posing risks to human health globally. In Namibia, there has been growing public criticism of nurses, stating that they are rude or act in a manner that does not show professionalism towards their clients. Reasons for such unprofessional behaviour could be linked to negative attitudes on the part of nurses towards their clients, resulting from burnout syndrome.Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed as the basis for conducting the study. Using a purposive sampling technique, a sample of 20 nurses was selected from a population of 69 nurses employed in this setting. This sample size was determined by the saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results:The following three themes emerged: understanding the concept of burnout, factors leading to burnout and creating a conducive environment as a corrective measure to address burnout and to advance nurses.Conclusions: Burnout is indeed real and affects nurses' performance negatively.Burnout has a negative impact on the well-being of nurses both physically and emotionally, which has the potential to compromise staff performance, productivity and the quality of patient care. Burnout among nurses is linked to many stressors such as poor staff management, inadequate resources, lack of support and lack of wellness programmes in the workplace.

This chapter provides a broad overview of the prevalence of burnout among academics. Burnout is a syndrome which has one or more of the following central features: detachment from co-workers, clients and/or work; decreased energy levels; physical ailments; and issues such as eating disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, decreased social contacts, and marital discord. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the links between various contributory factors and burnout amongst the academic population. Optimal management processes, including self-care and staff wellness programs, are anticipated to be key in reducing burnout and improving the quality of life for academics.