Today’s healthcare workers are experiencing more stress and anxiety than ever before, creating a burnout crisis that touches every industry. The paradox of burnout is that often the most committed and high-performing workers are the ones who are suddenly rendered ineffective.
For nurses, burnout is a dire issue. Results from a 2020 survey indicate that almost two-thirds of nurses (62%) experience burnout. It’s especially common among younger nurses, with 69% of nurses under 25 reporting burnout. This issue affects all hospitals and healthcare systems in the US, causing some nurses to leave the profession. Departures perpetuate the issue, since they contribute to the ongoing nursing shortage that causes remaining nurses to work more, and thus burn out. We’ll explore the causes of burnout, and more important, how to protect yourself from feeling overwhelmed.
What is burnout?
Burnout is defined as emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. Burnout can present as other issues, such as apathy, absenteeism, and ‘checking out,’ depending on how individuals react to the feeling.
There are many factors contributing to burnout in nurses. As noted above, the labor shortage is a key contributing factor, as fewer nurses mean longer hours for the remaining nurses. The pandemic also created a highly stressful work environment for medical professionals. Per the CDC, nearly half of health workers reported often feeling burned out in 2022, up from 32% before the pandemic. While restrictions have eased over the years, many nurses still feel the lingering effects of working as a frontline worker in a high-stakes workplace.
There are other larger cultural forces at play that contribute to burnout across industries. Depression and mental health conditions have increased across the US. As of 2023, Gallup found that 29% of American adults reported having being diagnosed with depression during their lifetime.
How at risk of burnout are you?
To understand your risk of burnout, take a moment to assess your current emotional state and perspective on your work. Do any of the following statements feel accurate to you?
- I feel constantly overwhelmed.
- I am too tired and worn down to even go to work.
- I am disinterested in my work and no longer find myself engaged in my day-to-day responsibilities.
- I feel underappreciated or like my work doesn’t matter.
If you agreed with any of these statements, you might be experiencing burnout and need to intervene to find balance again.
How to limit burnout in yourself?
Once you’re feeling burnt out, it can be difficult to reset and find the joy in your work again. There are many tactics you can employ to mitigate the effects of burnout or keep yourself feeling positive and engaged with your work.
First, take care of yourself. Self-care can be a very personal endeavor and is defined as any activity that makes you personally feel restored. For some people, this means eating well, hydrating, and getting plenty of sleep. For others, this can involve exercise or spending time with loved ones. It could even be going on a vacation far away or scheduling a long weekend staycation.
If you find that your job is just too demanding or that you’re not receiving the support you need, consider changing roles or employers. A change of employment can provide a much-needed reset, especially if the new position offers a better work/life balance. However, a job change must be paired with other lifestyle changes, such as increased self-care, or else you’ll be right back to feeling burnt out in no time.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Qualified mental health professionals can teach you how to implement self-care routines and set boundaries. Friends and family can also provide you with a valuable support system to lean upon.
Start Finding Balance Today
Burnout is a pervasive issue that effects nurses across the country. Since each person handles stress differently, burnout can present as a variety of issues, so individuals need to look within and determine whether they are still engaged with their work. Nurses, especially, have highly demanding jobs that require a lot of their emotional, physical, and mental energy each day. Taking care yourself by prioritizing mental and physical well-being is essential to keeping yourself engaged with your work.
If you need to make a change in your employment or want to get back into work after a much-needed break, All Medical Personnel is here to help with top nursing jobs. When you work with our team, we are your partner through it all. We can help you find the role that offers you the work/life balance you’re looking for. Contact us today to get started.
