Burnout has become a widespread issue in the workforce, particularly in the healthcare sector. Burnout can show up as physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. We recently received valuable information on burnout from Tiffany Pottkotter, MSN, MA, RN, LPCC, PMHNP-BC. Take a look and the infographic below for more information:
What is burnout?
- Physical – tired/drained, low motivation, getting sick more often, change in appetite or sleep
- Emotional – sense of failure, alone, hopeless, negative outlook, decreased sense of accomplishment
- Behavioral – isolating, procrastinating, increase in alcohol, snapping at others
When self-care is still taking place but only satisfies you temporarily or not filling your cup
Triggers
- Short-staffed
- Increasing responsibility
- Number of patients and acuity of patients
- No end in sight
- Social media – ignorance, fighting uphill battles
- Change in relationships
- Loss of control
- Lack of support
Self-reflect
- Every month do this – look at hours, coworkers, boss, work conditions, stress level
- We must change as circumstances change – examples – hours, flexibility, stress level
- Think outside the box, not rigid
- There ARE other jobs – less pay, less identity
- Don’t make your work your identity
- Take things off your plate
- Advocate
- Be realistic – things aren’t changing anytime soon
- Time frame – change can be for the next 1 year then re-evaluate and come back to old job
Activity: Meet with 3 people you know well, and have them finish this sentence: I can totally see you doing ____
Self-care
- Work boundaries – saying no
- Personal boundaries – avoiding people or conversations on specific topics
- Social media boundaries
- Adequate sleep
- Healthy diet
- Exercise
- Vent to like-minded people
- Reflect on the good you’re doing
- Use your vacation time!!
- Use of FMLA
- Unplug after work
- Hobbies
Biggest takeaway – MAKE A CHANGE! Insanity is doing the same thing every day expecting a different result. You can STILL make a change in a different role or outside of work.