It takes a great deal
of schooling in order to become a registered nurse. Long hours in the
classroom, practical’s, exams, and so much more goes into earning a degree in
the medical field. Working long hours in the hospital or at the patients home
can cause a great deal of problems. One big problem would be considered a nurse
burnout. “Burnout was first recognized as a psychological concept in the
1970’s. The Maslach Burnout Inventory defines burnout according to three
characteristics: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduction in perceived
personal accomplishment” (Christina Fearon). When a person is emotionally
exhausted they feel drained and down 24/7. Then when they try to protect
themselves more it would be considered depersonalization and a lowered
satisfaction in achievement results in a decrease of work productivity. This
would cause a reduction in perceived personal accomplishment.
The nurse burnout is known because it shows a pattern of
emotional and subsequent emotional exhaustion. A person gets too involved
emotionally, and may overextend him or herself, and feels overwhelmed by the
demands imposed by other people. (Christina Maslach) It is a condition that
some registered nurses experience that shows itself as being fatigued all the
time, readily irritable, insomnia and poor performance. Physical manifestations
can be chronic headaches, back pain, weight gain, and Gastrointestinal
problems. (Nursing Profession Education)
The range of health care professionals is so wide. It can
range from becoming a medical assistant, registered nurse, or a doctor to one
of those three who specializes in something specific such as oncology.
“Professional burnout has been recognized in the nursing field for decades.
Research in the area has examined personality characteristics, working
conditions, shift length, support networks, and various other risk factors
associated with burnout in nurses in many specialty areas, including oncology”
(Marcella Williams). Oncology specializes in the treatments of cancer. This
field of study has such a high chance of experiencing the burnout syndrome.
Much of the research done has shown that nurses in the oncology department
experience burnout much more than other professions. However, one author
completely disagreed. Burnout can occur in any profession and it’s the end
result of stress.
A survey was completed by 589 people showing so many
results. 60% returned the survey before the cut-off date. 56% of the
respondents reported experiencing burnout in their professional life. There was
no significance found between the burnout and specialty within oncology.
Significance was found between the type of practice and the incidence of
burnout. (Journal of Clinical Oncology) That piece of evidence seems to go
against all of the data previously found.
Another article stated, “There is a great level of stress
among people who work with the vulnerable groups of society” (Harm Reduction
Network). This would include nurses and oncologists, along with several others.
When working in this type of environment stress is a huge factor. Once stress
comes in so many other things could happen. “Frequent depressions, anxiety,
emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, low level of work satisfaction, etc.
All this is a widely spread reaction on a permanent emotional stress related to
work with other people who are in a difficult situation and often face
hardships. A burnout syndrome is very painful problem for individuals and leads
to work efficiency and labor drain in an organization” (Harm Reduction Nerwork).
When someone experiences the burnout syndrome it may be
like there is no getting back on track. It has been shown and proven that there
are specific techniques and things that can be done. A person may experience
the burnout syndrome, take some time for themselves, and then get back on
track. Much research has justified that sentence.
“Nurses can experience burnout in all aspects of life,
from work to family time” (Karen Hochberg). Karen Hochberg found several ways
to prevent this syndrome from occurring. The first step would be to identify
your purpose. This would mean figure out exactly what should be learned from
the meeting, specifically would be a meeting that could be emotionally
draining. Secondly, your attitude is everything. Honestly, have a positive
outlook on the situation. Don’t focus on the negatives. Thirdly, would be to
listen and the fourth is to take notes. This would mean complete focus and
determination. Lastly would be to learn by watching. Instead of just jumping in
take the time to watch your co-workers. This would not mean not doing your job
but just taking enough time for yourself to deal with the burnout syndrome.
Another author believes there are other ways to deal and
cope with this syndrome. According to a study of physicians from the Journal of
the American Medical Association they stated, “Guided meditation and sharing of
experiences has been shown to improve mood and decrease feelings of burnout”
(Morgan Lewis Jr.).
When it comes to doctors and nurses the level of burnout
is high. The authors from the South African Medical Journal have found a
significantly high degree of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization
experienced by doctors. “Burnout resulting from high levels of stress at work
can contribute to the exodus of health care workers.” Recruitment, improved
management and planning, increased support, mentorship, and a more empathetic
administration were some of the factors suggested to mitigate the burnout
experienced by doctors” (South African Medical Journal) Stress
Burnout
Depressive
Indications
Clinical Depression --one leads to the next
Excellent information presented here, Krystal. See my comments on the Word copy of your portfolio.
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