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5 Signs of Burnout

Featured Author:

Jennifer Fink, RN, BSN

Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN, is a Registered Nurse who has been writing professionally for over 10 years. As a med-surg and transplant nurse, she worked hard to develop a rapport with her patients, to teach them according to their needs and to provide them with information and options. Today, she uses those same skills in her writing career. She is very interested in professional issues in nursing. Follow Jennifer on Facebook and Twitter.

More articles from this author:

• 5 Reasons to Get a PhD/DNP
• Public Health Nursing
• Med-Surg Nursing

Warning Sign #2: You Feel Under-Appreciated

It’s easy to feel unappreciated as a nurse. On any given day, you do a million things (catch med errors before they happen, arrange for pastoral care, etc.) that your patients never even see. And nursing administration? Forget it. They’re so busy worrying about the budget that don’t even know what goes on out on the floor – right?

When you start feeling seriously under-appreciated, take stock. Why do you feel so upset? Is it because you’re overworked? ARE you overworked? If the answer is yes, it’s time to cut back. Even the best nurses can’t be everything for everybody. It’s OK to say no to extra assignments and committee appointments. You not only deserve the rest; you need the rest. Time away from work helps you relax and recharge.

Also take a look at your self-talk. Do you spend your drive home chastising yourself for all the things you didn’t get done? Try mentally listing your achievements for the day instead. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes!

Warning Sign #3: You Dread Going Into Work

Few people look forward to working Christmas or Easter. But if your stomach gets tied up in knots at the very thought of going into work on a regular basis, something more may be going on.

Don’t just solider through. That dread is a signal from your body that something is wrong. So pay attention. What don’t you like about work? Is it your co-workers? Your boss? The hours? The actual work?

If an unsupportive nurse manager or co-workers from hell are making your work life a living nightmare, it might be time to look for another job. If the hours have got your down, consider cutting back or switching to another shift. If the work itself no longer excites you, It might be time to switch to another area of nursing. Not ready to do that? Try picking up a new skill or taking a class. Expanding your knowledge base might be just the thing to get you excited about nursing again!