"It's Not Just a Pause": A Qualitative Exploration of Micro-Breaks Among Clinical Nurses.

backgroundThis study explored the specific experiences of clinical nurses regarding micro-breaks during work intervals, aiming to provide a reference for nursing managers in building supportive work environments.

methodsThe study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. From September to November 2025, purposive sampling was used to select 12 clinical nurses from a large teaching hospital in Shanghai. Guided by the Conservation of Resources Theory, we employed a descriptive qualitative research design with semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

resultsThe experiences of clinical nurses regarding micro-breaks were summarized into three main themes and seven subthemes: (1) the diverse practical forms of micro-breaks (physical disengagement, cognitive detachment, and minimal replenishment); (2) the complex impacts of micro-breaks (potential social costs, potential psychological costs); and (3) the feasibility of micro-breaks in different work environments (department characteristics and work pace, organizational culture and leadership style).

conclusionsMicro-breaks serve as a proactive self-regulation strategy for clinical nurses in high-intensity work environments. They provide not only a momentary physical pause but also an opportunity for psychological and emotional recovery, contributing to the maintenance of professional resilience. Nursing managers should recognize and respect this behavior, strengthen external environmental support, and aim to enhance nurses work well-being and overall quality of care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses in high-acuity settings face continuous resource depletion that can compromise both their well-being and patient safety. This study offers evidence-based insights into how clinical nurses spontaneously use micro-breaks as a proactive self-regulation strategy to restore personal and social resources. By identifying the diverse forms, dual impacts, and contextual determinants of micro-breaks, the findings provide actionable guidance for nursing managers and healthcare organizations to design psychologically supportive work environments. Recognizing and legitimizing micro-breaks as a legitimate recovery practice may serve as a low-threshold, low-cost intervention to mitigate burnout, sustain work engagement, and ultimately protect the quality and continuity of patient care.