Nursing is a demanding field. Whether you’re working as a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), licensed practice/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), or any related nursing field, your job can be difficult and stressful.
Nurses have to handle everything from traumatic incidents with patients and their families to the demands of a busy schedule that can leave them tired or drained. During the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout was discussed as a common problem among overworked nurses, but what about today?
Unfortunately, burnout is still affecting nurses in the United States, and that’s why it’s so important for healthcare professionals and organizations to continue supporting nurses’ mental health and wellness. Finding ways to support and retain nurses will help improve the healthcare system for all.
Here’s more on what you need to know about nursing burnout, what healthcare systems can do to help, and how you can address burnout as a nurse if you’re starting to feel overwhelmed.
What Are the Symptoms of Burnout in Nursing?
Nursing burnout, the name for a condition in which nurses become physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted due to chronic stress, is a growing problem in the United States. While it became most noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic and its strain on the healthcare system, it was a problem beforehand, as well.
Long hours, demanding work, and other factors can lead to chronic fatigue and exhaustion among nurses, so much so that many decide to leave their role for good.
According to statistics from the National Nurses Crisis Center, Inc.:
- 40% of nurses report having health issues of their own to deal with
- At least 19% of psychiatric nurses report having experienced mild-to-severe depression
- 45% of nurses report not getting the emotional support they need to handle their jobs
But those aren’t the only facts that are concerning. On top of the symptoms of the healthcare system placing too much stress on nurses, there is an additional complication: the nursing shortage.
Top Ways for Healthcare Systems to Address Nursing Burnout
In order to address nursing burnout within healthcare systems, it is important for organizations to implement strategies that prioritize the well-being of nurses and promote a healthy work environment. Here are some of the top ways that healthcare systems can address nursing burnout:
- Implement Staffing Strategies: Burnout within the nursing community can be related to understaffing and excessive workloads. Healthcare systems should ensure adequate staffing levels to alleviate nurses’ stress and fatigue. This may involve hiring additional nurses or support staff, implementing flexible scheduling, and utilizing technology to streamline processes.
- Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Healthcare organizations should strive to create schedules that allow for adequate rest and time off for nurses. This approach helps prevent burnout by ensuring nurses have the opportunity to rest and have a personal life so they can return to work refreshed.
- Provide Support and Resources: Healthcare employers should offer resources and programs for nurses to feel supported. Creating a safe space where nurses can express their concerns and seek assistance is crucial for promoting mental health and wellness.
- Provide Opportunities for Growth and Development: Offering opportunities for nurses to expand their knowledge and skills can help counteract burnout. Healthcare systems should invest in continuing education programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development initiatives. This not only makes nurses feel valued and supported but also enhances their overall job satisfaction.
Addressing nursing burnout requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects of the healthcare system. By prioritizing nurses’ well-being, employers can cultivate a positive work environment for nurses that enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, ultimately leading to better retention and improved patient care.
Addressing Burnout for Nurses
While the healthcare industry can take steps to reduce nursing burnout, there are also actions nurses can take as individuals to help themselves and their colleagues.
Put a Focus on Self-Care
When you work long hours and have a heavy workload, you can be mentally and physically exhausted from it, even experiencing compassion fatigue. That’s why it’s so important to make self-care a part of your routine. Habits as simple as eating healthy foods, adding exercise into your day, stretching, or getting an extra hour of sleep (when you can) will improve your health overall.
Practice Stress-Relief Techniques
Stress-relief techniques such as meditation, exercise, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways of relaxing the body and helping you feel healthier from one day to the next. When combined with a healthy diet and improved sleep schedule, your body is better able to handle the stress that comes with a demanding role in healthcare.
Talk About What You’re Going Through
Another thing you can do is take the time to talk to someone about your life. You could sign up for a session with a therapist, join a nursing group, or reach out for support from colleagues. Talking to others about your challenges and concerns can help you process trauma, grief, or frustration.
You can also join professional organizations to find mentorships and guidance for support when you need it most. Organizations such as the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses are excellent options.
Supporting Nurses for the Future of Healthcare
SHC supports its nurses and understands the importance of addressing burnout for the future of nurses’ mental health and wellness, patient care, and nursing in general. Our team is here to help you make the most of your nursing career and connect you with a job where you can make a difference.
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