Burnout in the workplace is a rising concern across many industries, but it’s especially prevalent in healthcare. Nurses have experienced a significant increase in recent years due in part to the nursing shortage, which puts extra tasks and responsibility on nursing staff. This stress can cause exhaustion and job dissatisfaction which contributes to burnout. 

According to Statistica, in 2023 68% of nurses felt burned out most days—which is an 11% jump compared to two years prior in 2021, when 57% of nurses reported the same.  

Burnout can manifest in many different ways, and it affects everyone uniquely. However, there are some common warning signs you can watch out for as you assess your well-being.  

5 Warning Signs of Burnout in Nurses

Here are a few key indicators that you may be experiencing burnout: 

  1. Sleep Issues
    Struggling to get out of bed in the morning or having difficulty falling asleep at night could be a sign of burnout.  
  2. Anxiety
    Do you feel a constant pit in your stomach before going to work? If you’re riddled with anxiety the day before your workweek starts, or if you’re unable to shake off the nerves throughout the day, this may indicate burnout. 
  3. Physical Symptoms
    Burnout can take a toll on your physical health as well. Frequent headaches, nausea, or changes in appetite are common physical manifestations of stress and burnout.  
  4. Behavioral Changes  
    You may find yourself withdrawing from friends and family, becoming more irritable, or neglecting your personal well-being.
  5. Depersonalization 
    A decrease in empathy and compassion towards your patients, seeing them as more of problems or just cases rather than humans needing care.  

Preventing Burnout for Nurses

Burnout is a systemic issue, and while stress will always be a part of nursing, the good news is that it is preventable.

 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin 

A key component of prevention is recognizing and monitoring yourself for signs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating self-care practices, and nurturing a strong community are all vital steps in protecting your mental health and well-being. 

  1. Wind Down After Work
    It might be tempting to mindlessly scroll through TikTok or Instagram before bed, but incorporating a transitional activity into your evening routine can significantly benefit your mental well-being. Consider activities like meditation, a short walk, or journaling—something you enjoy and can easily make part of your daily routine to help shift your mind away from work. 
  2. Exercise
    It may sound cliché, but physical activity is a powerful way to boost your mood and increase serotonin levels! Find an exercise you enjoy and make it a consistent part of your routine—whether it’s a brisk walk, rock climbing, Pilates, or water aerobics. There’s something out there for everyone; the key is discovering what you love and sticking with it. 
  3. Connect with Friends
    Spending time with friends can be a great antidote to burnout. Human connection provides emotional fulfillment and a sense of support, helping you recharge and feel more balanced. 
  4. Talk to Other Nurses
    Your coworkers know what you’re going through – they themselves are likely going through the same thing. . Talking to someone that understands the challenges of nursing and the stress of it can be therapeutic for both parties.  

Despite our best efforts, burnout can sometimes take hold. If this happens, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. SafeHaven provides confidential mental health services tailored to our healthcare community—take advantage of this valuable resource.