Currently, in our modern-day society and as far back as healthcare workers have been around, it is known that our nurses and healthcare aides work long hours with tasks that are most times physically and emotionally demanding. Additionally, the surge of the Covid-19 pandemic has amplified the nursing shortage which has been around since as late as the 1960s. These two things tying hand in hand can make it incredibly difficult for the healthcare workers that are currently in the profession. This presents the issue which is healthcare worker or nursing burnout, it may seem newer to some, however, the term burnout has been around since the 1970s after being coined by American psychologist, Herbert Freudenberger.
What is “Burnout” in Healthcare?
Burnout itself is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that is caused by an excessive amount of prolonged stress. This kind of state of being occurs when you’re overwhelmed, unable to complete tasks, and appeal to constant demand. Healthcare is a bustling field with a plethora of new and different tasks at hand every day. The stress in healthcare can easily lead to burnout for some if their focus on work is too high. It’s incredibly important to care for burnout as soon as you notice you may be starting to feel it.
What to Do if You Feel “Burnout”?
Those who are on the road to or are currently experiencing burnout can have a variety of different feelings such as every day feeling like a horrible day, as if caring about your work or home life is a waste of time and energy, feeling like nothing you do is making a difference, and the overall feeling of exhaustion. Furthermore, burnout can also have long-term effects on your body such as making you more vulnerable to sicknesses such as colds. Those experiencing burnout can also be affected by mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Thus, making burnout a critical condition that absolutely needs to be treated properly.
So as a healthcare worker, while your job is to care for others, it is also crucial that you care for yourself and partake in acts that assist in preventing burnout. Although it may seem like a terrible option after working long shifts on your feet, exercising outside of work can largely benefit your physical and mental health. Those who don’t want to simply just run or walk could try learning a dance! Dancing is another type of effective exercise that raises your heart rate and definitely works your muscles. You’ll also be able to lose your negative thoughts and worries by focusing on the moves and rhythm.
However, if you’d rather wind down after working a long day, taking some time to physically relax is crucial as well. Perhaps take a seat outside in some sunny weather and take in the rays, if it’s too cold outside, taking a hot bath can also release some tension in your body. Maybe you would prefer to occupy your mind without doing anything too physical, this is a great opportunity to focus on your hobbies and creative outlets or even pick up something new. There are heaps of different creative opportunities ranging from painting, pottery, photography, playing an instrument, and more! Overall, regardless of what it may be, if you are experiencing burnout or suspect you may begin to experience it, take some time for yourself and do something you truly enjoy doing. Even just catch some rest if you need it, self-care is the most important of all.
Challenges for Healthcare Workers
There are many different challenges healthcare workers can and do face on a daily basis, which can all add up and eventually lead to burnout. One of the biggest challenges a healthcare worker can face is actually in fact, burnout itself! So be sure to cut one less challenge off the list and set aside some time for yourself after a long work day. However, all of the other challenges overall can lead to feeling burnout. A large factor in everyday healthcare work, especially for nurses, is the number of different tasks and troubles thrown at them every day. Healthcare workers have an array of responsibilities and different tasks to perform each work day, and being pulled to a range of different places at once can be difficult.
There are a bunch more daily challenges that healthcare workers may face each day they work that in turn can eventually lead to burnout, another one being the long work hours some must work.
Here at NursaTM, we are dedicated to the happiness and well-being of nurses and healthcare workers alike. If you are suspecting you may be feeling burnt out, please take time for yourself or even seek help if you need it. There’s no shame in seeking help from others, even when it is your job to help those in need.
