Outsmarting Nurse Burnout: Your Ultimate Guide to Stay Energized and Inspired

As a nurse you are no stranger to burnout. Nurses have a burnout rate of nearly 70%. We are no

longer going to sugar coat the causes of burnout and the complete exhaustion that comes after a

twelve- hour shift. Taking care of patients is hard! The noise, the families, and critical thinking can all

add up to be too much to handle at times. So, the question is, what can we do about it?

“Hannah, why are you so angry?” To what I respond, “why are you not angry? We should all be

angry over the way we are being made to care for these patients” This conversation happened at the

height of the Covid pandemic while trying to scarf down some food towards the end of another

exhausting shift working in a busy emergency room. I did not know it at the time, but I was dealing with

moral injury. Moral injury is a psychological injury that occurs in nurses when dealing with the daily

moral decisions we need to make. Ranging anywhere from the constant battle with administrators to

advocating for end-of-life decisions, moral injury can become a huge weight nurses carry. It manifests as

shame, guilt, anger, and ever spiritual distress. This leads to emotional numbness, loss of empathy and

ultimately burn out.

Recognizing early signs of burnout is a key component to help overcome this battle.

 Increased irritability or anger

 Emotional exhaustion

 Loss of empathy

 Decreased job satisfaction

 Detachment and negativity towards work

This is an unexhausted list. Signs of burnout can look different in each person. These are,

however, the most common signs. Overcoming and preventing these symptoms is the next step.

Becoming self-aware of your emotional state is one of the most powerful things you can do, not only as

a nurse, but for all aspects of your life. Check in regularly with yourself. In the chaos of a busy 12-hour

shift, slowing down may seem like the last thing you need. However, taking a moment for yourself to

reestablish a steady emotional state can save lives. Practicing mindfulness techniques when you are off

will make it easier to tap into when in chaotic situations. A mindfulness practice does not have to be a

long-complicated process. It can look as simple as taking several slow deep breaths. There is one

technique I use daily when I get overwhelmed with everything that comes with the job and it takes no

more than 10 seconds to do. I imagine myself completing the tasks that need to be done. I see how it

plays out in my head and create a plan. This allows me to take a few seconds to slow down, envision

what needs to be done, and then complete it. This does not look like frantically blurting out everything

on your task list. Take just a few seconds, clear your mind, envision, then accomplish.

Seek interprofessional support and friendships. It seems like nurses have a special bond with

their work colleagues. Creating meaningful relationships with other health professionals is a great way

to feel heard and understood. Value and respect your peers. After traumatic experiences, debrief

together and allow that space for each other to cope. Nurses are such strong people, but we need to

recognize our co-workers are enduring the same stress and we need to lean on each other for support.

Advocate for change. The healthcare system is not perfect. Nurses see the gaps that patients are

constantly falling through. We need to use our voices and speak up to advocate for change; advocate for

the safety of ourselves, and advocate for the safety of our patients. It is our responsibility to bring

problems to the forefront of administrative change. Nurses are becoming incredibly strong leaders with

powerful voices. You will not be alone if you choose to speak out for change. Taking a stance for

something you believe in will energize and inspire you in your nursing career. Reignite your passion for

helping others by being a patient advocate on a large scale. Change is not going to happen overnight,

but knowing you are part of the forward momentum will greatly decrease feelings of burnout.

Seek out professional development opportunities. Gaining knowledge on your specialty is

exciting. Engaging in continuous learning and skill enhancement not only expands knowledge and

expertise but also contributes to personal growth and career advancement. Professional development

opportunities provide the chance to stay updated with the latest healthcare advancements,

technological advancements, and best practices, fostering adaptability and innovation. Additionally,

investing in professional development demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and professional

excellence, which can enhance job satisfaction, confidence, and overall job performance.

In conclusion, nurse burnout rates are increasing, and a shocking number of nurses will

experience this. Understanding and identifying early signs of burnout is the first step one can take. Loss

of empathy in a job that relays so heavily on empathy can be devastating to the nurse and the patients.

Practice emotional self-awareness, seek interprofessional friendships, advocate for change, and seek out learning opportunities. The rate of burnout is alarming and effects the nursing profession as a whole. You are not alone in this battle, and you have the knowledge and power to outsmart burnout.