Burnout: An occupational hazard
When things get overwhelming on a regular basis, and you’re constantly running on fumes, a burnout may be around the corner. A burnout is the result of exhaustion from a routine that’s too demanding. It is characterized by
- Fatigue
- Disinterest or a lack of motivation regarding work
- Reduced productivity
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, resentment and dissatisfaction
Repeatedly burning out can affect other parts of life as well. It can cause conflict in relationships, reduce immunity and lead to depression and substance abuse.
Burnout is not to be confused with stress. Instead, it is the result of prolonged unmanaged stress. It’s a sign that resources are not enough to meet the demands of work. While rest can help remedy burnout, it requires a change in routine to prevent it from recurring.
Burnout: In nursing
When American psychologist, Herbert Freudenberger originally coined the term ‘burnout’, he was describing the strenuous expectations of caregiving professionals, like doctors and nurses. So it is unsurprising that burnout is commonly seen in the field of nursing.
Apart from hectic schedules, night shifts, and long hours, nurses also have to provide patients with emotional support, especially PMHNPs. They experience moral injury and empathy fatigue, which also contribute to burnout.
Moral injury is being hurt by not being able to act according to your moral values or being witness to the same. Nurses may experience mental injury when they are unable to care for patients to the full extent because they may be bound by ethics or their circle of influence and control.
Empathy fatigue or compassion fatigue is experiencing emotional exhaustion due to repeatedly being exposed to trauma. It can also occur from disproportionally being in the role of a caregiver.
Preventing burnout
Burnout requires rest, and not a lot of professionals can afford rest. So, the remedy lies in preventing burnout. Here are some time-tested methods:
Self-awareness – Keep in mind that you are in a profession that is prone to burnout. So, make a mental note of your stress levels and the state of your mental and physical health.
Be alert for changes in your appetite, sleep, mood and cognitive functioning. The ProQOL (Professional Quality of Life Scale) was built just for this. It is a self-reported questionnaire created to help healthcare professionals assess themselves for risk of compassion fatigue and burnout. Burnout is best prevented by taking rest before it is even around the corner.
Take breaks – Rest and sleep are crucial. Take breaks. Set reminders to take breaks if you need to! Remember that burnout compromises patient safety. Keep your supervisor informed if you’re nearing burnout and need a break.
Ask for help – When things are overwhelming, rely on support systems at work and outside of it. If burnout is a recurring issue, consider seeing a therapist for it.
Prioritize health – Your health is important. You may be tempted to sacrifice a good meal or fitness time to do better at work. But, your patient’s health is powered by your ability to do well, which relies on your health. So, eat well and exercise!
Workplace improvement – If burnout is a common trend among your peers at work, address it with your supervisor. Perhaps they can incorporate some changes, or provide you with provisions and training to help you cope better.
References
Smith, M., MA, & Reid, S. (2025, March 13). Burnout: symptoms, treatment, and coping strategy tips. HelpGuide.org.
Know the signs of job burnout. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic.
Nurse burnout: What is it & how to prevent it | ANA. (2024, February 1). ANA.
