Understanding Nurse Burnout
Nurses make up a huge part of the hospital workforce—about 60%—and they’re essential to patient care. But too many nurses experience burnout, which has a negative impact on their physical and mental health, their job satisfaction, and, most importantly, patient safety.
Burnout is a syndrome that develops in response to chronic workplace stress. It’s characterized by three main things:
- Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and depleted.
- Depersonalization: Developing a negative and detached attitude toward others.
- Reduced personal accomplishment: Feeling like you’re not good at your job anymore.
Burnout is a widespread problem. One analysis found that, globally, about 11% of nurses report symptoms of burnout. However, in some countries, like China, the rates are much higher—around 65%. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the problem worse.
Given the scope and severity of the problem, it’s important to explore the evidence-based factors that contribute to nurse burnout and to identify effective intervention strategies to reduce its impact. This paper will examine those issues, with the ultimate goal of improving nurse well-being and patient outcomes. Understanding the role of evidence-based practice in addressing nursing burnout is crucial for creating sustainable solutions.
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