Burnout Risk by State: Top 10 List 2024
- Registered nurses in Colorado are experiencing the highest rates of burnout nationwide, according to a recent study.The analysis, which examined factors such as compensation, job satisfaction, patient load,...
- The study developed a burnout score for each state, reflecting exhaustion, mental distance from the job, and reduced professional efficacy, aligning with the World Health Organization's definition.
- Each Colorado nurse is responsible for approximately 155 patients, the second-highest ratio in the country.
Colorado nurses are facing the highest burnout rates nationwide in 2024 due to factors like heavy workloads, high costs of living, and moderate compensation. A new study reveals these pressures, impacting nurses’ well-being and contributing to a nationwide crisis. The research, which analyzed key elements such as compensation and job satisfaction, highlights the urgent need for healthcare providers to address nurse burnout. Explore the top 10 states where nurses are struggling and discover why job satisfaction is key to mitigating burnout. Rhode Island shows the lowest risk thanks to manageable workloads. This analysis can be found via News Directory 3. Learn how patient loads and cost of living impact nurse retention.Discover what’s next in this critical assessment.
Colorado Nurses Face highest Burnout Rates in the U.S.
Updated June 9, 2025
Registered nurses in Colorado are experiencing the highest rates of burnout nationwide, according to a recent study.The analysis, which examined factors such as compensation, job satisfaction, patient load, and cost of living, revealed that nearly a third of U.S. nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout.
The study developed a burnout score for each state, reflecting exhaustion, mental distance from the job, and reduced professional efficacy, aligning with the World Health Organization’s definition. Colorado scored 8.42 out of 10, making it the state where nurse burnout is most prevalent.
Each Colorado nurse is responsible for approximately 155 patients, the second-highest ratio in the country. This heavy workload, combined with a high cost of living and moderate compensation, results in a low job satisfaction score of 3.4 out of 10.
Arizona follows closely behind with a burnout score of 8.31 out of 10.Nurses in Arizona care for an average of 148 patients and face a cost of living that is 11.2% higher than the national average, creating high-stress conditions. new York ranks third, with a score of 8.14 out of 10. While the patient load is lighter in New York, nurses work longer hours and face a cost of living 23% above the national average, contributing to high burnout risk.
Rhode Island stands out as the state with the lowest risk of nurse burnout, scoring 4.46 out of 10. Despite longer workweeks and a high cost of living, nurses in Rhode Island care for significantly fewer patients, averaging 91 per nurse. Ninety-three percent of nurses surveyed in Rhode Island reported high job satisfaction, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Satisfaction Index.
The study suggests that maintaining a manageable workload is crucial in sustaining low levels of nurse burnout, perhaps more so than generous compensation.
What’s next
The findings underscore the need for healthcare organizations to address workload and job satisfaction to combat nurse burnout and improve retention rates. Further research could explore specific interventions to alleviate these pressures.