Avoiding Burnout in Healthcare

The word 'burnout' can mean many things.

Stress, fatigue, irritation with yourself or others, hunger, a loss of inspiration or a combination of these can all be symptoms of burnout.

It often occurs in those who have high-stress jobs or those who tend to view their career as a priority, though anybody can experience it.

Healthcare workers fall into this high-stress category, and burnout is an all-too-common term in our field.

What is Burnout?

Understanding burnout can be key to preventing it.

Burnout can best be defined as an emotionally, physically, and/or mentally exhausted and drained state of mind. This is caused by overextending one's self or an overload of stress.

It can come from a variety of sources: from a traumatic event with a patient, to seemingly endless 12 hour shifts; it may not be as easily avoided as you’d think. It can also come from external sources.

Many people who face burnout have pressure coming from their personal life as well. This could be due to illness in the family, stressed relationships, or even moving house.

It’s important to note that burnout isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s something even the most passionate, selfless people can experience.

So, how can you avoid or prevent it? Here are some tips to help.