Nurse Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention

What Is Nurse Burnout?

Nurse burnout is a state of chronic stress and exhaustion. Healthcare providers may feel physically, mentally, and emotionally drained for many reasons, such as the demanding nature of their work, high turnover, and increased workload.¹ Unfortunately, nurses are at a high risk of burnout, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout can strip talented nurses of their passion, trigger work anxiety, and leave them feeling numb and detached.²

Nurse Burnout Vs. Compassion Fatigue

Nurse burnout and compassion fatigue are two related but distinct concepts that impact the well-being of healthcare professionals. Nurse burnout refers to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic work-related stress.

On the other hand, compassion fatigue is a symptom cluster specific to healthcare professionals who work closely with patients experiencing physical or emotional suffering. This condition refers to the gradual erosion of empathy resulting from repeated exposure to traumatic events.

Nurse Burnout & Moral Injury

Nurse burnout and moral injury highlight ethical dilemmas healthcare professionals face, and both experiences can feed into one another. Moral injury is the psychological and emotional distress caused by witnessing or being involved in events that violate personal moral or ethical beliefs. Constantly feeling disconnected from these values can provide the groundwork for burnout as nurses struggle to deal with their involvement in questionable behavior.

How Common Is Nurse Burnout?

Exhaustion is a significant problem in the healthcare industry, with an estimated nurse burnout rate of 40-45% in the United States.³ Other nurse burnout statistics show over 20% of nurses feel dissatisfied with their jobs, and nearly 30% may leave the nursing profession within the next five years.⁴ With staffing shortages already a problem, burnout poses serious risks to the future of healthcare.³

Nurse Burnout Symptoms

The signs of nursing burnout may mirror mental fatigue, sometimes manifesting as difficulties concentrating, lack of motivation, or impaired work performance. Some may appear cynical, losing the passion and drive for a career they once loved. Later stages of nurse burnout can also affect physical health and contribute to

Nurse burnout symptoms may include:

• Sleep issues
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of motivation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cynicism
• Self-doubt
• Feelings of helplessness
• Hopelessness
• Headaches
• Physical pains
• Appetite changes
• Irritability

Causes of Nurse Burnout

Nurse burnout can develop for several reasons. Nurses are often the primary source of information and comfort for their patients. Increased demands, staff shortages, and underappreciation can make providing this care and support difficult, contributing to intense overwhelm and exhaustion. External stressors, such as poor sleep and self-care, can also exacerbate nurse burnout.

Below are possible causes of burnout in nursing:

Long Shifts

Working long hours without adequate breaks and rest can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, impacting the ability to provide quality care. This overload can also disrupt personal lives, leaving many nurses little time for self-care and rejuvenation. Long shifts can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, affect concentration, and increase stress and fatigue, ultimately contributing to burnout.

Lack of Staff

A lack of staff adds to the burden of work for nurses. Overworked nurses often handle excessive patient assignments, leading to constant feelings of stress and anxiety. Falling into an endless cycle of fatigue is easy when you have no time to recharge between patients.

Poor Sleep

Poor sleep is common among nurses due to irregular work schedules, shift work, and demanding job requirements. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, decrease tolerance to stress, hinder emotional well-being, and reduce job satisfaction, ultimately increasing the risk of burnout.

Stressful Work Environment

Healthcare work environments can be incredibly stressful, as nurses constantly face high-pressure situations, critical decisions, and demanding patients. The constant exposure to emergencies and navigating complex systems can impact emotional well-being and contribute to burnout. Creating a supportive work environment, implementing stress management programs, and promoting work-life balance are crucial in addressing this issue.

Emotional Connection With Patients

Emotional connection is essential in nursing but can contribute to burnout. Empathy burnout or “compassion fatigue” can occur when nurses consistently expose themselves to the emotional stories and suffering of their patients. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion and a reduced ability to empathize.

Lack of Outside Support

Balancing the demanding nature of nursing with personal responsibilities and relationships can be challenging. Nurses who lack a social network outside work may have fewer outlets for stress relief and emotional support.

Effects of Nurse Burnout

Nurse burnout can severely impact the individual and quality of patient care. Many struggle with chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and digestive issues. Other times, cynicism, detachment, and a lack of empathy toward patients can make providing support feel impossible.

Burnout can also impact job performance, leading to increased medical errors, decreased quality of care, and reduced job satisfaction. Ultimately, nurse burnout can contribute to high turnover rates in healthcare settings, further exacerbating staffing shortages and compromising the overall well-being of both nurses and patients.

Possible impacts of nurse burnout include:

• Poor patient care: Nurse burnout can negatively impact the quality of patient care, as burnt-out nurses may have reduced attention to detail, decreased empathy, and a higher likelihood of making errors, thereby compromising patient safety.
• Careless mistakes: Burnt-out nurses may be more prone to making errors, both in medication administration and clinical decision-making, due to decreased concentration, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.
• Nurse turnover: Burnout increases turnover rates, as burnt-out nurses may seek employment in less demanding or more supportive environments.
• Decreased job satisfaction: Nurse burnout often leads to poor job satisfaction, as nurses may feel overwhelmed, unappreciated, and stressed.
• Mental health issues: Burnout can lead to the development or worsening of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Increased healthcare costs: Nurse burnout can result in increased healthcare costs due to higher rates of medical errors, increased patient readmissions, and the need for temporary staffing or overtime pay to compensate for staff shortages.

How to Prevent Nurse Burnout

Preventing burnout in nursing can be challenging, especially when resources and support are lacking. However, taking proactive steps can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing exhaustion. Recognizing the early signs of burnout in healthcare workers is crucial, followed by regular self-care, exercise, and sleep.

Here are twelve ways to prevent nurse burnout:

1. Take Care of Your Body

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

2. Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being

Self-care is imperative to nurse burnout prevention. Many people equate self-care with bubble baths and manicures. While these activities are fun and fulfilling, self-care also means tending to your emotions and inner world. Some examples 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. Seeing supportive people, laughing, being creative, and making time for fun are all ways to recoup. Your body and mind need time to heal and recover from stress, so ensure you truly allow yourself to disconnect from work.

4. Acknowledge Your Burnout

Sometimes, acknowledging and accepting the situation can be helpful. However, acceptance does not mean liking or being okay with burnout. Instead, you learn to validate your experience and focus on finding solutions to reduce stress and improve your well-being.

5. Talk It Out With a Friend

Talking with an understanding friend can help you process and make sense of your thoughts. However, avoid dwelling on problems–doing so doesn’t alleviate stress or prevent burnout. Instead, consult someone who can assist in discovering possible solutions, reframing negative thoughts, and getting unstuck.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Insomnia and lack of sleep are a vicious cycle. The body releases stress hormones when you lie awake due to anxiety, which can eventually contribute to burnout. Getting plenty of rest is critical for mental, emotional, and physical health. Practice good sleep hygiene by implementing a soothing nighttime routine with stretching, reading, or meditation.⁵

7. Stay Physically Active

Many studies show the link between exercise and positive mental health. Regular movement can reduce stress, release endorphins, relieve symptoms of depression, and increase serotonin and dopamine. Seek activities you enjoy, whether walking on your lunch break, attending a swim class, or joining a gym.

8. Eat Healthy Food

You feel better mentally when you provide your body with nutritious foods. A healthy diet can increase energy and boost mood, lowering the risk of nurse burnout. For example, the Mediterranean Diet and mindful eating practices can help improve overall health and mental energy.

9. Make Time For Fun

Nurses can easily get dragged down by the draining nature of the job, making life feel heavy and stressful. Focusing on difficult things day after day while pouring out energy and compassion for others can lead to burnout and depression. Make fun a priority! Plan exciting activities, prioritizing them as much as an important meeting or appointment.

10. Take Time for Breaks Throughout the Day

Taking regular breaks throughout the day is crucial for preventing burnout in healthcare. Nurses need to recharge and rest to provide quality care. Stepping away from the demands of work, even for a short time, can help reduce stress levels, increase productivity, and prevent burnout.

Nurses should prioritize self-care and take advantage of their breaks to engage in activities promoting relaxation and rejuvenation, such as walking, practicing mindfulness, or having a nutritious meal.

11. Collaborate With Your Colleagues & Supervisors

Collaboration with colleagues and supervisors is vital. Nurses can share the workload, provide mutual support, and foster a positive work environment through effective communication and delegation.

Nurses should actively engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure seamless coordination of patient care and reduce the burden on individual caregivers. Open communication with supervisors is also crucial so nurses can express their concerns, request adjustments to their workload, and seek guidance when needed.

12. Ask for Help When Needed

Nurses may hesitate to ask for assistance or delegate tasks because they believe they should bear the burden of others. However, recognizing your limitations and seeking support is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring patient safety.