What is Nurse Burnout?

We’ve all felt exhausted and overworked before. As nurses, it’s pretty common. But when does occasional fatigue turn into something chronic and debilitating? Nurse burnout is at an all-time high. So, what exactly is burnout, and how do you know when you’re experiencing it? 

Occasional exhaustion can be cured with a little R&R. Burnout, however, is the culmination of a longer period of exhaustion coupled with a chronic lack of self-care. You can’t cure it in a day or even a week. It often takes long-term lifestyle changes to combat the effects of burnout. Understanding the signs of nursing burnout can help you diagnose and address this pervasive problem. In this blog, we’ll explore those symptoms and give you strategies to help overcome them.

What is Nurse Burnout?

Nurse burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged involvement in emotionally demanding situations. When burnt out, you may feel exhausted, irritable, and have a lower sense of accomplishment. It affects your well-being and the quality of care you provide to your clients. The three main components that characterize it:

• Emotional Exhaustion: You feel depleted of energy and emotionally exhausted from caring for patients daily.
• Depersonalization: Exhaustion leads to losing personal connection with patients.
• Reduced Personal Accomplishment: You may feel the need to improve, decreasing job satisfaction.

Is Burnout Common Among Nurses?

Unfortunately, yes. Nurses experience more burnout than other healthcare workers. Studies suggest that up to 90% of nurses experience high levels of burnout. Factors contributing to high nurse burnout rates include extended shifts, the emotional strain of patient care, and high job demands. 

At Care Options for Kids, we support and lift our nurses. We have implemented the following to ensure you are well taken care of:

• Exceptional Benefits: We have health insurance plans to help you get the support you need. 
• Community of Support: Our vibrant community of nurses has regular meetings, touchpoints, and community events to allow you the space to talk to others and get some support. 
• Schedule Flexibility: Care Options for Kids allows you to have a flexible schedule. This means you get paid time off, vacations, and the flexibility to take breaks when needed. 

Identifying the Signs of Nursing Burnout

Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for early intervention. Some key symptoms of nursing burnout include:

• Persistent fatigue and exhaustion
• Increased irritability or impatience 
• Feeling detached from your job or the people you care for
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, or changes in appetite

Strategies To Overcome Nursing Burnout

Overcoming nurse burnout isn’t easy. It requires a proactive approach and making permanent changes to your lifestyle. Here are some strategies to help regain your balance and enhance your well-being. If you’re on the brink of breakdown, ask for help. Asking for help can be challenging, but other nurses have been where you are and can offer support. You can enhance your skills by engaging in continuing education to increase job competence and fulfillment. At Care Options for Kids, we provide a compassionate community of support to our nurses so they never feel alone. 

Implementing Your Stress Reduction Techniques

Self-care matters and there are many ways to implement it. Keep in mind that self-care looks different for everyone. Some days, it might be going for a run. On other days, self-care could be anything that makes you smile. Here are some techniques that you can try now to relieve your stress:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices significantly reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a proven stress reliever that can boost mood and energy levels.
• Hobbies and Interests: We adjust our nurses’ caseloads to make time for hobbies and interests. You need time to unwind. Many of our nurses like crocheting, painting, and reading. 
• Eating Healthy: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain energy levels and overall health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and alert.
• Regular Sleep Routine: To improve sleep quality, you must create a restful environment, avoid caffeine before bedtime, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This will get your body into a natural rhythm and make you feel rested. 
• Work-Life Balance: You need time for yourself and your loved ones. That’s why Care Options for Kids allows you to have a flexible schedule for more work-life balance, including shifts that fit your life and paid time off. 

Fostering a Supportive Work Environment

• Team Support: Build a supportive network with colleagues who can offer empathy and understanding. At Care Options for Kids, we’ve established a culture of support for our nurses. Your client services associate and supervisors are accessible by phone whenever you need one-on-one support.
• Management Communication: Regularly communicate with supervisors about job stressors and seek their support in addressing them.

We Help Our Nurses Avoid Burnout

Creating nursing jobs that support nurses is the best way to avoid nursing burnout. That’s why we provide our nurses with supportive communities, great benefits, ample time off, and schedule flexibility. When you work in pediatric home health, you can take more breaks, care for yourself, and avoid burnout! Would you like to be part of our thriving nurse family?

Join the Care Options For Kids Team!

Are you ready for meaningful work that comes with benefits and not burnout? Join the compassionate care team that helps children and families live their best lives. Our clinicians provide best-in-class pediatric nursing, therapy, and school-based services. We bring individualized care to children where they live, work, and play. We have opportunities in homes, schools, and clinics across the country.

Apply at Care Options for Kids now. We make it easy to start so you can make a difference as soon as possible.