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Here is an overview of the signs and symptoms of burnout and techniques to better manage stress to prevent nursing burnout.
Introduction
Burnout is a pervasive issue that can impact nurses in any role, on any shift, at any point in their career. While burnout can occur in any profession, the nursing field has seen a notable rise in this phenomenon over the past several years. With increasing workloads, heightened demands, and widespread staffing shortages across the nation, learning how to effectively manage and prevent burnout is crucial to thriving in your nursing career.
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Burnout: Define burnout, recognize its signs and symptoms, and understand how it manifests in the nursing profession.
Identifying Negative Impacts: Describe the negative effects of burnout on both nurses and patients, including how it can compromise the quality of care and well-being.
Preventative Techniques: Learn and articulate various techniques and strategies to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Practical Application: Choose and incorporate at least one burnout prevention technique into your daily routine to enhance your well-being and professional longevity.
In this resource:
What is Nurse Burnout?
Nurse burnout is the result of chronic, unmanaged stress that originates in the workplace. When left unchecked, This type of stress can lead to many negative outcomes, including a loss of joy in work, mental and physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and even cynicism toward the nursing profession. Burnout is not just about feeling tired after a long day; it is a deeper, more profound sense of disillusionment and fatigue that can severely impact a nurse’s ability to perform their duties and find satisfaction in their career.
What is the Burnout Rate for Nurses?
The prevalence of burnout among nurses is alarmingly high. According to a 2022 study conducted by the American Nurses Foundation, a staggering 69% of nurses under the age of 25 reported suffering from burnout. Additionally, 60% of acute care nurses indicated that they have experienced burnout. The growing recognition of burnout as a serious health issue was underscored in 2019 when the World Health Organization added it to the International Classification of Diseases, highlighting the widespread and severe nature of this issue within the healthcare community.
What Leads to Burnout?
Several factors contribute to the increasing rates of burnout among nurses:
COVID-19 and Increased Demands: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demands placed on nurses, leading to higher stress levels and greater emotional fatigue.
Nurse Staffing Shortages: Nationwide staffing shortages force nurses to work longer hours and manage more patients, contributing to chronic stress and burnout.
Long Working Hours: Working extended shifts, especially those exceeding 12 hours, can exacerbate physical and mental exhaustion, leading to burnout.
Witnessing Human Suffering: Regular exposure to human suffering and trauma can take a toll on a nurse’s emotional well-being, leading to compassion fatigue and burnout.
Sleep Deprivation: Irregular and insufficient sleep due to demanding work schedules can impair a nurse’s ability to cope with stress, increasing the risk of burnout.
Increased Patient Demands: As more patients live longer and require complex care, the demands on the healthcare system and its workers continue to rise, contributing to burnout.
Emotional Fatigue from the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the emotional demands on nurses, with increased patient acuity and higher patient mortality rates contributing to emotional exhaustion.
Moral Injury: When nurses are forced to take actions or witness situations that conflict with their morals or beliefs due to factors beyond their control, they may experience moral injury, a significant contributor to burnout.
Effects of Burnout on Patient Care
Burnout does not only affect nurses; it has serious implications for patient care as well. Some of the negative effects of burnout on patient care include:
Increased medication errors
Patient identification errors
Inappropriate use of medical devices and equipment
Increased patient falls
Indifference towards patients
Higher rates of hospital-acquired infections
Delays in care delivery
Lower overall quality of care
When nurses are experiencing burnout, their ability to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care is compromised, putting patients at risk.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout manifests in various physical symptoms, which may include:
Persistent low energy and feeling too tired to work
Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Chronic tension or muscle tightness
Lack of concentration or focus
Frequent headaches
Digestive issues
Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout also has a significant impact on emotional well-being, with common symptoms including:
A pervasive feeling of being overworked and underappreciated
A lack of fulfillment or satisfaction in one’s job
Feelings of helplessness and depression
Emotional and mental exhaustion
A sense of isolation from colleagues and support networks
Forgetfulness and difficulty retaining information
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
Behavioral changes are often a key indicator of burnout. These may include:
Self-isolation from colleagues and loved ones
Irritability and frustration with others
Lack of engagement at work, including showing up late or avoiding responsibilities
Procrastination and difficulty completing tasks
Increasing reliance on food, alcohol, or other substances to cope with stress
How to Prevent and Manage Burnout
Preventing and managing burnout is essential for maintaining a long and fulfilling career in nursing. Here are some strategies that can help:
Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize adequate rest between shifts and during time off to ensure that your body and mind can recover from the demands of nursing.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve mental health, boost mood, and strengthen your cardiovascular system, making it easier to handle the physical demands of nursing.
Eat Nutritiously: Maintain a balanced diet that provides the nutrients your body needs to stay strong and healthy. Avoid relying on deep-fried foods, sugary snacks, and drinks, and instead choose foods that support sustained energy and well-being.
Use Your PTO and Take Breaks: Make the most of your breaks at work and use your paid time off to recharge. Engaging in activities that you enjoy and that replenish your energy levels is crucial for preventing burnout.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay present with your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to process them rather than suppress them. Mindfulness can also help you recognize what is within your control and what is not, reducing the stress of uncontrollable situations.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals when you notice the early signs of burnout. Whether through therapy, coaching, or simply talking to a trusted friend, asking for help can make a significant difference in managing stress.
Create Work-Life Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life to prevent work-related stress from encroaching on your time off. This separation is vital for maintaining your overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Key Takeaways
Burnout is a serious issue that requires attention and action. By recognizing the signs and symptoms early and implementing strategies to prevent and manage it, nurses can protect their mental, emotional, and physical health, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care to their patients and find fulfillment in their careers.
Additional Resources
Mindfulness Apps:
More on burnout:
Burnout Statistics:
Effects of burnout on patient care:
Author Bio
I’m Ashley Zeckmeister, a certified health and wellness coach and registered holistic nurse and nurse coach! I’m passionate about supporting healthcare workers with all things health and wellness, from work-life balance, to self-care, and embodying their most authentic voice. I truly believe that we all have a deep, inner wisdom that can help guide us to reaching our goals, we’ve just lost touch with that part of ourselves from living in such a fast-paced environment. As we learn to slow down, prioritize taking care of ourselves, and listen to our inner wisdom, we cultivate an authenticity that supports us in achieving all of our goals!
Additional Support
If you're seeking additional support on any of these topics, I’m here to help! I offer a complimentary Discovery Call for those interested in coaching. You can easily schedule this on my website. As a special bonus for members of the Society of Future Nurse Anesthetists (SFNA), you'll receive $25 off your first coaching session when you mention your membership. I'm excited to assist you in achieving your health and wellness goals!
Contact Information
Website: heal.me/infinitelotus
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