Healthcare burnout remains a concern for US pediatricians and mental health nurses

Recent studies highlight ongoing burnout challenges within the United States healthcare workforce, specifically among pediatricians and mental health nurses.

A longitudinal study published in Pediatrics by American Academy of Pediatrics researchers found that pediatrician burnout declined from 46.2 percent in 2021 to 35.2 percent in 2025. While measures of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of professional accomplishment also improved, researchers noted the remaining prevalence is still concerning. The study also identified a persistent gender gap, with 37.1 percent of female pediatricians reporting burnout compared to 29.9 percent of males.

Separately, research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing indicates that approximately 38 percent of inpatient mental health registered nurses in the US experience high burnout. The study, which surveyed 740 nurses across 10 states, found that 22 percent of respondents planned to leave their employers within a year. Researchers emphasized that improving work environment quality and ensuring adequate staffing are critical to reducing burnout, job dissatisfaction, and turnover rates.