Are you feeling tired all the time? Do you struggle to stay alert during shifts? Does it seem like even your best efforts aren’t enough? Recognizing early nurse burnout symptoms like these is the first step to mitigating harm.
Early intervention can prevent burnout from escalating into a more severe condition. Let’s learn about nurse burnout symptoms, what to watch for, and strategies for prevention and management.
Understanding nurse burnout
Burnout is defined as being emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted from prolonged and excessive stress. In our Nurse.com 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report, 59% of nurses reported feeling burned out.
In nursing, burnout is often the result of intense workload, long hours, and emotional demands of patient care.
The World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon.” Burnout is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Disease as a syndrome characterized by:
Feelings of depleted energy or exhaustion: Nurses can feel emotionally drained and overwhelmed by their work. Nurses may feel unable to offer the quality of care they once could, leading to a sense of helplessness and fatigue.
Increased mental distance from a person’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to a job: In nursing, this can manifest as a sense of detachment from their work and patients.
Reduced personal efficacy: Nurses may feel incompetent, or lack of achievement in their work. Nurses can begin to doubt their abilities and feel like their efforts aren’t making a difference.
Watch for these 10 nurse burnout symptoms
Here are some nurse burnout symptoms to watch for, in yourself and your nursing colleagues:
- Chronic fatigue: You may feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, and struggle to find enough energy to complete tasks.
- Insomnia: You might have difficulty falling asleep, and find yourself lying awake at night, worrying about work-related issues.
- Irritability: Burnout can cause nurses to snap at colleagues or feel frustrated over minor issues.
- Decreased job satisfaction: You may feel disengaged from your work, losing the passion you once had for nursing. You might notice you’re dreading going to work, or finding a sense of relief only when away from your workplace.
- Increased absenteeism: Are you calling in sick more often, or finding yourself arriving at work late? Those can indicate you’re struggling to cope with the demands of your nursing role.
- Physical symptoms: Burnout can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, or a weakened immune system.
- Emotional detachment: You may struggle to empathize with patients and colleagues, becoming more distant in your interactions.
- Decline in job performance: Red flags include difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Anxiety. You may notice a sense of being overwhelmed, even with tasks that were once routine.
- Depression. Nurses may experience feelings of hopelessness and sadness during shifts.
Take action on nurse burnout symptoms
If you notice any of the above nurse burnout symptoms, acting right away is essential. Start by paying close attention to your physical and emotional states.
Burnout can cause chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders. The same is true of chronic stress associated with burnout, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other stress-related illnesses.
Early recognition allows for timely intervention, to mitigate these risks. Here are five steps to take:
- Prioritize self-care.
- Seek support from colleagues, or make an appointment with a mental health professional.
- Consider discussing workload adjustments with supervisors.
- Regularly practice stress relief techniques. Mindfulness, exercise, and adequate rest can mitigate the onset of burnout.
- Adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest can reduce the harmful effects of burnout.
The broader impact of nurse burnout
It is important to be aware of nurse burnout symptoms for many reasons. Burnout affects not only nurses, but also their patients, colleagues, and healthcare overall, in these ways:
- Burnout contributes to increased turnover.
Nurses with burnout are more likely to take sick leave or resign from their positions. Poor retention, and the constant cycle of hiring and training new nursing staff, disrupt the continuity of care.
- Burnout leads to higher healthcare costs.
This is due to increased turnover, absenteeism, and resources needed to support affected nurses.
- Burnout negatively impacts workplace morale.
Nurses who are burned out are likely to have strained relationships with colleagues. This increases the burden on the remaining nursing staff.
- Burnout can compromise patient safety.
Exhausted, disengaged nurses struggle to maintain attention to detail. Burnout leads to impaired judgment and slower reaction times. That increases the likelihood of medication errors which can have serious consequences for patients.
Early intervention on nurse burnout symptoms
Nurses must be on the lookout for nurse burnout symptoms. The same is true of nursing leadership. Healthcare organizations can take early action, using these approaches:
- Promote work-life balance. Regular breaks, flexible scheduling, and getting enough time off to recharge can help to prevent burnout.
- Create a supportive work environment, where nurses feel valued and heard. Opportunities for professional development, and rewarding nursing achievements, can improve morale and prevent burnout.
- Provide mental health support. Counseling and support groups can help nurses cope with the emotional demands of their job. Programs such as mindfulness, meditation and time management can empower nurses to handle stress more effectively.
- Address workload issues. Reducing excessive workloads and ensuring adequate staffing levels are critical for preventing burnout. Employers should assess staffing needs regularly, and implement measures to address any gaps.
- Encourage peer support. Fostering a sense of camaraderie among nursing staff can strengthen relationships and prevent burnout. Peer support groups and team-building activities provide a network of support.
Overall, early action on nurse burnout symptoms can help nurses feel more valued and supported. By understanding more about nurse burnout symptoms, nurses can take action to mitigate its impact. Early identification, prevention strategies, and proactive approaches can support a sustainable, healthy nursing workplace.
No matter where you are in your nursing journey, Nurse.com is here for you. Join the NEW Nurse.com community to meet other nurses, find support, build your career, discover events and groups that foster growth, and organize your nurse life in one place.
