Occupational Stress and Burnout among Portuguese Nurses: A Systematic Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Protective Elements: A Systematic Review

This systematic review explores stress and burnout among Portuguese nurses, particularly in demanding contexts such as emergency, intensive care, and oncology. Findings reveal high stress levels, aggravated by work overload, emotional pressure, limited autonomy, scarce resources, and constant exposure to suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these risks and left long-lasting effects on nurses’ mental health. Protective factors include individual resilience, team cohesion, and supportive work environments. Evidence suggests that organisational policies, workload optimisation, and psychological support are essential to reduce burnout, improve well-being, and retain staff. Ultimately, interventions must integrate individual coping strategies with structural reforms.