Burnout in Nurses: Symptoms, Causes, Recovery, and Prevention

Are you a nurse or thinking about becoming one? Perhaps you've heard about nurse burnout and are wondering if it could be affecting your job, or you're hoping to avoid it as you pursue your new career.

Nurse burnout is considered an occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nurses experiencing burnout are left physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. It's important for the wellbeing of both nurses and patients that signs of nurse burnout are addressed early to prevent them from worsening.

Keep reading as we take a closer look.

What Is Nurse Burnout?

Burnout is a common condition among healthcare workers, and it is especially prevalent in the nursing industry. It is described as complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion and may be triggered by a wide variety of stressors.

As many as 33% of direct-care nurses working in hospitals experience burnout during their careers. Though causes and warning signs of burnout may vary from nurse to nurse, those who experience it are at risk of failing health and providing poor patient care.

Does Nurse Burnout Affect Patient Safety?

Burned-out registered nurses often struggle to fight through their symptoms. This can cause them to move more slowly, be more distracted, and make mistakes. They may also experience mental or physical health issues that diminish their overall job performance.

Nurse burnout affects the quality of care a nurse can provide. Nurse burnout can lead to lower patient satisfaction and a higher patient mortality rate.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Burnout on Nurses?

Nurses who experience the symptoms of burnout over a long period develop chronic burnout, which can produce several negative physical and mental effects.

Though symptoms vary by person, some of the long-term complications of nurse burnout may include:

• job dissatisfaction
• decreased level of care
• physical symptoms such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, weakened immunity, and chronic pain
• anxiety
• lack of motivation

Can Nurse Burnout Lead to Depression?

There is seemingly no end to the number of negative impacts burnout can have on nurses and their patients. One of these impacts is depression.

Though not all burned-out nurses experience the same level of depression, those whose burnout goes unaddressed may have feelings of hopelessness or despair. Some may even contemplate suicide. Therapy or mental health counseling may be necessary to help nurses experiencing these extreme symptoms.

Causes of Nurse Burnout

There are a wide variety of situations and circumstances that can lead to nurse burnout. Not all nurses are affected by all of the potential stressors, but those who experience any of the following in their work environment are at an increased risk of developing burnout:

• long shifts
• high stress levels
• staffing issues (understaffed facilities often lead to long hours)
• lack of sleep
• lack of a support system
• too many responsibilities
• lack of a healthy work-life balance

All of these issues are prevalent in the nursing profession, which is why nurse burnout is so common. If these root causes of burnout are not addressed, burnout signs and symptoms can be expected to worsen over time.

Common Nurse Burnout Symptoms

Nurse burnout can cause a wide array of symptoms which may vary from person to person. All of these symptoms indicate a deep level of underlying exhaustion that will continually worsen if not treated.

Some of the many symptoms may include:

• emotional and physical exhaustion
• decreased job satisfaction
• poor decision-making skills
• compassion fatigue (loss of empathy for patients)
• loss of appetite
• trouble sleeping
• dread about going to work
• constant tiredness

The longer nurses experience these symptoms of burnout, the more likely they are to develop serious physical and mental issues, such as heart problems and depression. Their patient care skills will also diminish, which in turn puts their patients at greater risk.

How To Recover from Burnout as a Nurse

If you're a nurse currently exhibiting the signs of burnout, there's good news for you: burnout is both treatable and reversible. There are several small lifestyle changes you can make to improve your mental and physical health. The key behind all of them is that they enable you to get some much-needed rest.

If possible, work shorter shifts so you have time to spend with family and friends or to pursue interests outside of nursing. Set boundaries between your work and home life, and don't allow the two to cross. Having a good work-life balance is crucial in overcoming burnout.

It's also important to practice self-care techniques. Spend time doing the things you enjoy, getting enough sleep, and even pampering yourself with a massage or a bubble bath.

If you can, identify the specific causes behind your burnout symptoms. For example, you may be struggling to work in a high-stress nursing specialty, such as the ED or ICU. You may be able to combat your burnout by transitioning into a different specialty or pursuing further education to become a nurse manager.

Finally, remember that it's okay to ask for help. Talk with friends, family, or coworkers about what you're going through. If necessary, seek out professional help from a therapist or counselor to manage issues such as anxiety or depression.

Tips for Nurse Burnout Prevention

To prevent nurse burnout, follow many of the tips outlined in the section above. Maintain a good work-life balance, practice self-care, and talk with peers or professionals if you need extra support.

It cannot be stressed enough that your personal life must be kept separate from your job. Outside of work, focus on:

• improving relationships with family and friends
• pursuing interests
• getting sufficient rest

Practice mindfulness, breathing techniques, or yoga to help yourself relax. Get plenty of exercise to stay healthy and improve your quality of sleep. Always seek out the emotional support you need to help you navigate the challenges of your stressful but rewarding profession.