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9 ways to address nursing burnout

Get tips and resources to help overcome your emotional exhaustion.

Updated on November 22, 2024

frustrated nurse leaning on window
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If you get a pit in your stomach before your shift starts and you’d rather pull the covers over your head than pull on your scrubs, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted in February 2022 by staffing firm Incredible Health, 34 percent of nurses surveyed said it was likely they would leave their jobs by the end of the year, with 44 percent indicating thatShow More

burned out nurse on emergency room bed
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What is burnout?

Burnout is a type of stress syndrome. Its causes vary from person to person, but feeling emotionally exhausted is one common feature. Emotional exhaustion may make it difficult to empathize with your patients. It also can cause:

  • A lack of motivation
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Frequently calling
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nurse holding patient's hand
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Face moral distress

Moral distress is one leading cause of nursing burnout. It can happen if your personal or professional values are at odds with the practices at your workplace. For example, you may disagree with another healthcare provider’s orders for ethical reasons.

Here are some ways to face moral distress head-Show More

a male and female nurse lift an elderly man out of a wheelchair
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Avoid unnecessary physical stress

There is no completely safe way to manually lift or transfer patients. Manual patient handling can cause micro-injuries to the spine, which can take their toll over time. In fact, musculoskeletal pain and injuries are a major reason why nurses leave the profession permanently.

Safe PatientShow More

a tired male nurse sits and collects his thoughts in front of a large window
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Don’t bury your feelings

It’s okay to express frustration at work. Make sure you do so without raising your voice or swearing. It’s even okay to cry—just hand off your pager or tell the charge nurse when you step away. Lean on your teammates for support and be there for them, too. You may be exhausted after work, butShow More

dark hospital waiting room
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Take time to grieve

As a nurse, you will share patients’ most intimate and joyous moments, and you’ll comfort their families during times of unimaginable loss. But while loved ones may take years to mourn a death, you grieve a patient’s death during and between shifts while readying yourself for the traumas ahead.

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young male nurse talking with female doctor
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Work smarter

You work hard, but it pays to work smart, too:

  • Keep a to-do list every day. You can’t do everything at once, but you can cross off one task at a time. Writing down patient requests and new orders as they come in can help you prioritize and stay calm.
  • Group your tasks together. If you know a
  • Show More
nurse eats healthy lunch
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Take care of yourself at work

Your hectic days will seem even more overwhelming if you’re neglecting your own wellness needs:

  • Take your meal break. Some 35 percent of nurses report that they rarely or never take a break to eat.
  • Choose healthy foods. When you do eat, opt for foods like leafy greens or grilled chicken, in
  • Show More
yoga class
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Take care of yourself outside of work

Prioritize your own mental and physical health on days off to build the energy and resilience you’ll need on the job.

  • Take time for family and friends. Strong relationships reduce stress and have been linked to a longer lifespan.
  • Avoid the temptation to stay in bed on days off. Making it to the
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hospital medical team meets about patient
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Build an unstoppable team

Advocating for your team can increase your sense of control, solve problems in your work area, and protect you against burnout.

  • Learn your facility’s policies and regulations and consider joining the group that creates these policies to ensure that your voice—and all the other unit nurse voices—
  • Show More
Slideshow sources open slideshow sources

Shah MK, Gandrakota N, Cimiotti JP, Ghose N, Moore M, Ali MK. Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Nurse Burnout in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(2):e2036469.
Vahey DC, Aiken LH, Sloane DM, Clarke SP, Vargas D. Nurse burnout and patient satisfaction. Med Care. 2004;42(2 Suppl):II57-II66.
Cleveland Clinic. Consult QD. Nine Strategies for Alleviating Nurse Burnout. Oct. 10, 2016.
Austin W. What is the role of ethics consultation in the moral habitability of health care environments? AMA J Ethics. 2017;19(6):595-600.
Erickson R, Grove W. Why emotions matter: age, agitation, and burnout among registered nurses. Online J Issues Nurs. 2007;13(1).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Safe Patient Handling: Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nursing Homes. February 2014.
Houck D. Helping nurses cope with grief and compassion fatigue: an educational intervention. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2014;18(4):454-458.
Witkoski A, Dickson VV. Hospital staff nurses’ work hours, meal periods, and rest breaks. AAOHN J. 2010;58(11):489-497.

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