Recognize Burnout Before Becoming BURNED OUT

Are you tired of the long shifts? Do the patients annoy you? Are you fed up with being over-worked? Is it time for a break or are you burned out.... Find out now

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What is Burnout? Why do Nurses Burnout?

There are several factors that contribute to nursing burnout. Here are a few of the biggest culprits:

• Long Shifts: Nurses work long 12 hour shifts, and often even pick up overtime or are called in due to nursing staff shortages. Working long hours can result in fatigue, stress, and an increased chance of error in nursing. Not having sufficient time to rest and recover affects the care that nurses provide to their patients.

• Putting Others First: Nursing is a profession in which we compassionately provide care for others. Often times nurses give so much care to their patients but forget to care for themselves. Nurses have a lot to manage such as family obligations, working long hours, and making time for themselves. Overtime, neglecting self care can become a major contributor to burnout.

• Busy, High Stress Environments: Nurses have a lot of responsibilities when caring for multiple patients. The work environment becomes more stressful for nurses when there is a shortage of staff which results in busier and more hectic environment.

• Coping with sickness and death: As nurses we are exposed daily to sick or dying patients. This can cause emotional baggage and grief that builds over time and can eventually affect our personal lives. When these emotions are not dealt with in a healthy manner, it can wear nurses down.

Signs of Burnout

• Sleep disturbance and fatigue: Its normal be to fatigued sometimes, but absolute exhaustion is a sign of burnout.

• Appetite changes 

• Reduced abilities to think and concentrate  

• Frequent tardiness, absences from work or dread going to work  

• Overeating or increased smoking  

• Sudden mood swings and anxiety  

• Deep resentment of clients, an/ or insensitive

• You’re sick: common symptoms include a low immune system, GI issues, chronic pain and heart palpitations.