• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Nurse Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention

Published: June 2, 2022 Updated: November 25, 2022
Published: 06/02/2022 Updated: 11/25/2022
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Nurse Burnout?Definition
  • Nurse Burnout SymptomsSymptoms
  • Causes of Nurse BurnoutCauses
  • How to Prevent Nurse BurnoutPrevention
  • When to Seek Professional HelpGetting Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Nurse Burnout InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

Nurses are at risk for burnout due to the physical, emotional, and mental demands of their jobs combined with a culture of overwork and not feeling supported or valued. Burnout results in feelings of detachment, dread, or cynicism towards work, as well as mental and physical exhaustion. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to severe health, mental health, and career problems.

Don’t let burnout get the better of you. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is Nurse Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic stress and exhaustion often resulting from workplace stressors. Nurses can feel this way due to the demanding nature of the work, low pay for the amount of work expected of them, not feeling valued or respected, and feeling like they are powerless to do anything to change their environment. Burnout results when stress goes unchecked and becomes toxic, leading to a feeling of mental exhaustion, and even physical symptoms.1

Especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses (and physicians) have been faced with high patient loads, lack of support, and even risks to their own personal wellness and safety. Many nurses report worker shortages, increased workload, and increased hours. One of the tragedies of burnout is that it can strip talented nurses of their passion, trigger anxiety surrounding work, and leave them feeling drained and detached.2

Nurse Burnout Symptoms

A nurse experiencing burnout might have mental fatigue and feel emotionally drained. They may feel more negative or cynical towards their work and dread the next shift. They feel that they are starting to lose the passion and drive for the career that they once loved. Later stages of nurse burnout symptoms can look like lower productivity, missed work, and or physical illness.3

Nurse burnout symptoms include:

  • Physical and emotional exhaustion
  • Compassion fatigue
  • Mental exhaustion and fatigue
  • Sleep issues, including insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Constant exhaustion
  • Self-doubt
  • Loss of inspiration
  • Feeling emotionally drained
  • Appetite and weight issues
  • Feeling ineffective as a nurse
  • Cynicism about the job
  • Feeling powerless to change the situation
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Causes of Nurse Burnout

Nurse burnout is a specific type of work burnout resulting from the stressors nurses face, including long hours, high patient loads, and difficult patient situations. Nurses provide compassionate care and are often the primary source of information and comfort for their patients. Increased demands, staff shortages, and a culture of not feeling valued all contribute to signs of nurse burnout.4

Here are potential causes of nurse burnout symptoms:

  • Low pay for the amount of work and long hours expected of the job and/or associated financial stress
  • Worker shortages
  • Increased volume of patients during the pandemic
  • Traumatic or difficult patient situations
  • Thinking about patients when away from work
  • Dealing with difficult and medically complex situations
  • A challenging work environment
  • Lack of respect for nurses by patients or staff
  • Feeling like efforts aren’t appreciated
  • Feeling powerless or ineffective

How to Prevent Nurse Burnout

The current situations contributing to nurse burnout may feel impossible to overcome, but there are ways to be proactive, practice excellent self-care and feel better. There are ways to manage stress, deal with being overwhelmed and prevent physical and emotional burnout in the early stages, before it becomes too serious. Sometimes, burnout prevention and recovery involves making difficult choices, setting boundaries, and making major changes.5

Here are ten ways to prevent nurse burnout:

1. Physical Self-Care

Burnout recovery often starts with taking care of basic physical needs first. Simple activities like drinking enough water, spending time in nature, getting enough sleep, stretching or getting some fresh air can do wonders for mental health. When all else fails, check in with your body first.

2. Emotional Self-Care

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and manicures. It also includes taking care of one’s emotions and their inner world. Some ways to do this include journaling, talking with a friend, or watching a funny or uplifting show. Taking time for emotional self-care can help nurses recharge their batteries, reduce stress, and feel more resilient.

3. Make the Most of Your Time Off

Step away from work and focus on recharging. Spending time with supportive people, laughing, doing something creative, and making time for fun are all great ways to recharge. It’s important to truly take a break from the stressors, to step away and focus on other things. This can be easier said than done for someone who is used to focusing on work!

4. Acknowledge It

Sometimes, just acknowledging the situation and accepting it for what it is can be helpful. Acceptance does not mean liking or being OK with the situation. Rather, it simply means being honest about the current situation and acknowledging it.

5. Talk It Out With a Friend

Talking with an understanding friend can be a helpful way to process difficult feelings and make sense of thoughts. It’s important to not get into the habit of just venting about the job or dwelling on problems, because this doesn’t actually help alleviate stress or prevent burnout. Rather, talk with someone who can help you discover possible solutions, reframe negative thoughts, and get unstuck.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Insomnia and lack of sleep are a vicious cycle. When someone lays awake at night stressed and worried, this causes the body to release more stress hormones. More stress hormones lead to chronic stress, which over time can become burnout. Getting plenty of rest is critical for mental, emotional, and physical health. Practice good sleep hygiene and consider a soothing nighttime routine like gentle stretching, reading, or meditation.5

7. Exercise

There are many studies that show the link between exercise and positive mental health. Exercise can reduce stress, release endorphins, and even increase serotonin and dopamine. Exercise is especially helpful for reducing the symptoms of depression that can be related to burnout. To feel the benefits of exercise, aim to get some exercise most days of the week.6

8. Eat Healthy Food

Mental and physical health are interconnected, and good nutrition can make a difference. Healthy food can increase energy and boost mood, which can lead to an overall more positive outlook and lower burnout risk. The Mediterranean Diet and mindful eating practices have both been empirically proven to be protective factors against burnout.7

9. Make Time For Fun

Nurses can easily get dragged down by the difficult and draining nature of the job, making life feel heavy and stressful. Focusing on difficult and hard things day after day while pouring out energy and compassion for others can lead to burnout and depression. Make fun a priority! Plan something to look forward to and schedule it just as if it were an important meeting or appointment.

10. Seek Out Training or Professional Development

Learning new things and growing professionally can help reduce burnout. Learning new skills or exploring new areas of expertise can provide a refreshing change and give your career a boost. Seek out opportunities for growth and learning. Consider exploring different work environments. Talk with a supervisor or colleague about changes that can be made to make work more fulfilling.

You don’t have to struggle with burnout alone. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

When to Seek Professional Help

Nurse burnout may require additional help to overcome. Signs that burnout may be leading to a more serious mental health condition include changes in sleep patterns, changes to appetite or weight, anxiety, panic attacks, and thoughts of death or suicide. If any of these symptoms arise, or if chronic stress and burnout doesn’t improve over time, seek professional help.

Nurses who work with trauma can also develop secondary or vicarious trauma. Symptoms are the same as in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and include being easily startled, having intrusive thoughts, memories, or dreams about traumatic events, and avoidance of things that trigger those memories. Nurses experiencing these symptoms should seek help from a mental health professional.

Helpful types of therapy for burnout and secondary trauma include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), internal family systems, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). It is important to find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs; fortunately, there are therapists available with many different skills and areas of expertise. Start your search by using a free online therapy directory.

Final Thoughts

Nurses face extremely difficult situations every day; still, they show up for their patients with kindness and compassion. Nurse burnout can be difficult to overcome, but fortunately, there are ways to move forward and stay healthy. The world needs kind, smart, and compassionate nurses, and you deserve to take good care of yourself.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Talk Therapy 

Online-Therapy.com – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. Online-Therapy.com provides 45 minute weekly video sessions, and unlimited text messaging with your therapist for only $64/week. Get started 

Virtual Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Stress & Burnout Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those interested in reducing stress and preventing burnout. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign-Up

Learn Mindfulness, Meditation, & Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness.com – Change your life by practicing mindfulness. In a few minutes a day, you can start developing mindfulness and meditation skills. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Online-Therapy.com, Hims / Hers, and Mindfulness.com. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • American Nurses Association
  • The Emotional PPE Project
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
  • SAMHSA
  • Mental Health Foundation
  • The Insight Timer

Nurse Burnout Infographics

What is Nurse Burnout Nurse Burnout Symptoms How to Prevent Nurse Burnout

6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Shah, M. K., Gandrakota, N., Cimiotti, J. P., Ghose, N., Moore, M., & Ali, M. K. (2021). Prevalence of and factors associated with nurse burnout in the US. JAMA network open, 4(2), e2036469-e2036469. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2775923

  • Galanis, P., Vraka, I., Fragkou, D., Bilali, A., & Kaitelidou, D. (2021). Nurses’ burnout and associated risk factors during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of advanced nursing, 77(8), 3286-3302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33764561/

  • Guo, Y. F., Luo, Y. H., Lam, L., Cross, W., Plummer, V., & Zhang, J. P. (2018). Burnout and its association with resilience in nurses: A cross‐sectional study. Journal of clinical nursing, 27(1-2), 441-449. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28677270/

  • Malach-Pines, A. (2000). Nurses’ burnout: an existential psychodynamic perspective. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 38(2), 23-31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10693110/

  • Awa, W. L., Plaumann, M., & Walter, U. (2010). Burnout prevention: A review of intervention programs. Patient education and counseling, 78(2), 184-190. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19467822/

  • Söderström, M., Jeding, K., Ekstedt, M., Perski, A., & Åkerstedt, T. (2012). Insufficient sleep predicts clinical burnout. Journal of occupational health psychology, 17(2), 175. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22449013/

Recent Articles

Empathy Burnout_ What It Is _ How to Cope
Empathy Burnout: What It Is & How to Cope
Empathy burnout typically affects a person after they have expended too much of themselves while interacting with others. It...
';
Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Fear of public speaking is a common problem, but when that fear interferes with work and school success, it...
';
Burnout vs Depression: Understanding the Differences
Burnout Vs. Depression: Understanding the Differences
While the features of burnout may mirror symptoms of depression, burnout is not a diagnosable, clinical condition like depression...
';
Vulnerability Hangover: Definition, Signs, & How to Cope
Vulnerability Hangover: Definition, Signs, & How to Cope
Vulnerability hangover is a term used to describe the unpleasant feelings you may have after sharing your deepest emotions,...
';
How to Deal With a Panic Attack at Work_ 8 Tips From a Therapist
How to Deal With a Panic Attack at Work: 8 Tips From a Therapist
There are many ways a person can cope with a panic attack at work. Whether it was caused by...
';
Setting Boundaries at Work: Examples & How to Start
Setting Boundaries at Work: Examples & How to Start
When the lines between work and your personal life become blurred, it's time to start setting healthy boundaries at...
';
Headshot of Michelle Risser, LISW-S
Written by:

Michelle Risser

LISW-S
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • What Is Nurse Burnout?Definition
  • Nurse Burnout SymptomsSymptoms
  • Causes of Nurse BurnoutCauses
  • How to Prevent Nurse BurnoutPrevention
  • When to Seek Professional HelpGetting Help
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Nurse Burnout InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept