Nurse Burnout
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If you want to become a nurse, than I want you to have the whole picture before you go jumping into this blindly. There are many reasons for this type of career burnout. I have listed a few below.
- Back Injuries and other physical pain
- Long hours. Remember, many nurses work 12 hour shifts and with a shortage, overtime is often encouraged
- Boredom with “Same(ahem)stuff, different day”
- Lack of supportive mentors in the field
- Sicker patients with higher nurse/patient ratios
- Disrespect from physicians
- Frustrations with lack of managerial support
- Frustrations with treatment from patients and families
- Emotional strain from dealing with death and sickness all the time
- Inablity to change with the times (i.e. computer charting)
My personal burnout came from being over-worked on an extremely high acuity cardiothoracic floor. While I was gaining an unbelievable amount of valuable information, I was also wearing myself down emotionally and physically. After only three years of being a nurse (it took me longer to actually get my degree!), I was ready to call it quits.
Not being the quitter type though, I decided to change my job and change the hospital I worked at. I am now happier and enjoying being a nurse again. I can only imagine this is also serving my patient’s better.
If you are contemplating becoming an RN, than just be aware of the signs of nurse burnout. Also know there is usually SOMETHING you can do to help.
While burnout is attributing to the nursing shortage, I believe we, as nurses, are improving the way we perceive it and help those who are struggling with it.
For more ways to avoid burnout, specifically with a little monthly nursing humor, sign up for Scrub Top Soup below.
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