4 Ways to Avoid Nurse Burnout
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4 Ways to Avoid Nurse Burnout

Due to the pandemic, healthcare professionals on the frontlines, especially nurses, have faced enormous mental health challenges this year. Compassion fatigue, which is commonly referred to as burnout, can take a physical and mental toll on nurses. According to the National Academy of Medicine, 50% of caretakers across medical fields report symptoms of burnout, which include emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a low sense of professional accomplishment.

1. Notice the Signs

First, you need to know the signs of feeling burnout so you can learn to avoid it. Noticing the signs of burnout early on is an essential part of avoiding it long term. Below are some of the common indications of burnout:

  • Chronic exhaustion
  • Trouble working with other nurses
  • Negative change in sleep habits
  • Unexplained pains or illnesses such as headaches and stomach pains
  • Demonstrates high absenteeism
  • Failure to meet deadlines
  • Holds a negative attitude toward management
  • Shows an unwillingness to change routines
  • Lack of hope for a patient’s outcome

2. Establish a Support Group

Surround yourself with supportive relationships that can help deal with the emotional distress and the balance of personal and professional pressures. Talking to those who are experiencing similar outcomes and help make it feel less isolating.

3. Schedule More Time for Self-Care

Increasing nurse self-care is crucial to patient safety. Research indicates that nurses who take care of themselves tend to also take better care of their patients. Certified Nurse Education Bonnie Fuller at Purdue University Global states,

“There is a definite correlation between a healthy work environment and nurses being able to provide high-quality, safe care that influences positive patient outcomes.”

It’s extremely important to make time for yourself as a nurse, especially in these stressful times. Allowing yourself to focus on something besides your work can help get your mind off of the negative aspects of your day and allows your mind to rest. Whatever type of self-care you prefer, the important thing is to choose something in which you can immerse yourself in to give yourself the break you need.

Having a regular exercise routine along with a with a well-balanced diet is an important part of caring for your physical and mental health. Below are some other ways to improve your emotional and physical well-being:

  • Practice breath awareness
  • Eat regularly scheduled meals
  • Establish a regular sleep schedule
  • Take daily walks
  • Try mind-body exercises such as yoga

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