Burnout among healthcare professionals is emerging as an immense concern in the US.
The pandemic years were the worst, and things aren’t looking good even after it is over.
According to the CDC, nearly 46% of health workers in the US reported burnout in 2022.
That was a big surge from 32% in 2018.
Almost the same percentage stated that they wanted to change jobs in 2022.
Burnout impacts more than the physical and mental well-being of clinicians.
Eventually, it can affect the quality of patient care and even topple the overall stability of health systems.
Imagine the kind of strain the already strained system may come under if people want to leave due to this issue.
Fortunately, healthcare professionals can do their bit to overcome this challenge.
Understanding the common mistakes that lead to burnout can prevent it and foster a healthier work environment.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Personal Needs
For some healthcare professionals, patient care comes above all else.
By prioritizing this, they end up overlooking their own physical and emotional needs.
This mindset is noble, but it can lead to chronic fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
Professionals may even feel a diminished sense of personal accomplishments.
Over time, ignoring basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and emotional support erodes resilience.
Even if you are resilient and strong, pushing too hard can drive you toward burnout.
According to a ResearchGate study, self-care was a savior for frontline workers during the pandemic.
They relied on basics such as eating nutritious diets, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol as self-care strategies.
As a healthcare professional, you can take cues from these strategies to avoid neglecting self-care.
Mistake #2: Missing Work-Life Boundaries
A lack of clear boundaries between work and personal life is a blunder.
Business.com notes that without boundaries, you cannot achieve anything even close to work-life balance.
It also cites data regarding 22% of Americans in a survey stating that they found unplugging from work challenging.
This situation is common in healthcare settings.
Many clinicians take work home, answer calls or emails after hours, or even feel unable to say no to additional responsibilities.
Being constantly available leads to work-life imbalance and prevents proper recovery from daily stressors.
Without proper boundaries, you may fall prey to compassion fatigue and emotional detachment from work becomes practically impossible.
Setting distinct lines between work and personal life is the only way to skip this mistake.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Professional Development
Failing to invest in ongoing education and skill-building can cause professionals to feel stagnant and disconnected from the latest advancements.
This applies in all industries and healthcare is no exception.
Career stagnation has many downsides.
It affects the quality of care besides diminishing job satisfaction and professional confidence.
Engaging in continuous learning keeps clinicians progressive and fosters a sense of growth.
Fortunately, online programs make career development opportunities more accessible despite tight schedules.
For example, a nurse with a BSN degree can explore online FNP certificate programs to take their career to the next level.
According to Rockhurst University, a post-master’s family nurse practitioner certification offers specialization to a nurse.
With this additional credential, you can provide care to patients across diverse settings and age groups.
Getting the extra edge sets you up for success and financial gains and keeps burnout at bay.
Mistake #4: Not Taking Breaks
Healthcare jobs are physically demanding, and working without rest makes them even more challenging.
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses highlights the importance of rest breaks in preventing burnout among nurses.
Ideally, 30-minute breaks are recommended, and these must be free of workplace activities.
Skipping breaks or working through rest periods is common among healthcare workers.
The pressure to keep up with patient loads, administrative tasks, and emergencies often leads them to forgo essential downtime.
Without regular breaks, both physical and mental fatigue intensify.
This can increase the risk of errors and further deepening burnout.
Commit to breaks every few hours, and consider power naps when you feel overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of professional burnout?
Burnout manifests in several ways, with prominent red flags and subtle hints.
Emotional exhaustion symptoms such as feeling drained and inability to cope are often the early indications.
Gradually, you may experience a diminished sense of personal accomplishment.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues may also surface.
Why are healthcare professionals prone to burnout?
Healthcare professionals are at high risk for burnout due to staff shortages, excessive workloads, and long hours.
High emotional demands of patient care may also push these workers to the edge.
Additionally, they struggle with administrative burdens, bureaucratic tasks, and a lack of control over work schedules and environments.
Which healthcare professional is at the highest risk for burnout?
Physicians in high-stress specialties such as emergency medicine, critical care, and primary care, are at the highest risk for burnout.
Nurses too are vulnerable, particularly those working in intensive care units or emergency departments.
Factors such as age, workplace seniority, and relationship status can further influence susceptibility to burnout.
Burnout in healthcare is not an individual failing but a systemic issue rooted in the demands and structures of the industry.
However, being aware of burnout-inducing factors can make all the difference.
Healthcare professionals and organizations must take meaningful steps to protect well-being and ensure the sustainability of quality care.
