Although the concept of burnout has been a significant nursing issue worldwide over the past 30 years, in China the relevant research about nursing burnout only started in the 1990s. In this time, nursing burnout has become increasingly prevalent. This article examines the research carried out both in China and internationally, in order to investigate the causes of stress that lead to burnout among nurses. With the key stressors identified, the article sets out a proposal for a programme to alleviate the stress of hospital nurses and help them to engage with their jobs.