Discuss Burn out in nursing profession/effective ways to manage stress/biases against nurse.
Nursing is a noble profession that requires dedication, compassion, and commitment. Nurses are responsible for the care and wellbeing of patients, often working long hours under stressful conditions. Despite the rewarding nature of the job, nursing can be a demanding and challenging profession. Burnout is a common issue among nurses, which can lead to decreased job satisfaction, low morale, and even leaving the profession. In this article, we will discuss burnout in the nursing profession, effective ways to manage stress, and biases against nurses.
Burnout in Nursing
Burnout is a psychological syndrome that results from chronic workplace stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Burnout is a significant issue in the nursing profession, with some studies reporting burnout rates as high as 70% (West et al., 2016). Burnout can have serious consequences for nurses, patients, and healthcare organizations, including decreased job satisfaction, increased absenteeism, and decreased quality of care.
There are many factors that contribute to burnout in nursing, including heavy workloads, long hours, lack of support from management, and high patient acuity levels. Nurses also frequently experience emotional stress and trauma from caring for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue of burnout among nurses, with many working extended hours, facing personal risk, and witnessing the devastation caused by the virus (Shanafelt et al., 2021).
Effective Ways to Manage Stress
Stress management is crucial for nurses to prevent burnout and maintain their physical and mental health. There are many effective ways to manage stress, including:
Exercise – Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall health. Even short walks during breaks can be beneficial.
Self-Care – Nurses must take care of themselves to be able to care for their patients. This can include setting aside time for hobbies or relaxation.
Social Support – Having supportive colleagues or friends can help reduce stress and provide a sense of community.
Time Management – Nurses can reduce stress by effectively managing their time and prioritizing tasks.
Mindfulness – Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help nurses reduce stress and improve their mental wellbeing.
Seeking Help – It is important for nurses to seek help if they are experiencing significant stress or burnout. This can include talking to colleagues, seeking counseling, or taking time off work (Shanafelt et al., 2021).
Biases Against Nurses
Despite the vital role that nurses play in healthcare, they often face biases and stereotypes. Nurses are sometimes viewed as subservient to physicians or as “unskilled” healthcare workers. This can lead to a lack of respect and recognition for their contributions to patient care. Nurses who are members of minority groups or who have accents or language barriers may also face discrimination or biases from patients or colleagues (Johnson et al., 2019).
It is important to address biases against nurses to improve the nursing profession and patient care. This can include promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare organizations, educating colleagues and patients about the value of nursing, and providing support and resources to nurses who face discrimination (Johnson et al., 2019).
Conclusion
Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession that requires dedication, compassion, and resilience. Burnout is a significant issue among nurses, but there are effective ways to manage stress and prevent burnout. Nurses also face biases and stereotypes, which can impact their job satisfaction and patient care. It is crucial to address these issues to improve the nursing profession and provide the best possible care to patients.
References
Johnson, S. B., Butts, J. B., & Badrinath, P. (2019). Addressing
