Nurse burnout is a major concern in the health care industry. According to a recent study, nurses were more likely than other health care professionals to have moderate to high degrees of burnout. Contrary to what non-nurses might assume, feeling burned out isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of dedication; it's a reaction to the overwhelming demands placed on nurses.  

"Burnout is not the failure of an individual to cope; it is an expected reaction to unbalanced demands and resources,” says Richard Westphal, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, creator of Stress First Aid. 

Burnout comes from prolonged and unaddressed stress in the workplace. The World Health Organization says that it shows up in several ways: 

• Mental and physical exhaustion 
• Emotional detachment from your job
• Increased cynicism toward work 
• Lower effectiveness and productivity 

Long hours, emotionally taxing situations, and systemic challenges make burnout more prevalent among nurses. And the pandemic made it even worse, causing more anxiety, exhaustion, and cynicism. One recent study has shown that 56% of nurses are experiencing burnout. 

We know you can’t control everything about your job. You likely can’t change your hours, your patient load, or your coworkers. But you can leverage certain tools you may have at your disposal.

Through generous support from the United Health Foundation, the American Nurses Foundation has launched Nurse Well-Being: Building Peer and Leadership Support to help nurses and address burnout, manage stress, and increase confidence. Along with resources from the Well-Being Initiative, this challenge will offer tips to support you in reducing stress and burnout.

Though This challenge ended on June 28, we invite you to try it on your own or with a nurse you know! Get started here.

IMPORTANT: Burnout can be a serious issue. Contact your health care or mental health provider if you have any concerns. If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. When you are in crisis, there is help available.

You are not alone. Make the call.

Date & Time

Monday June 17th, 2024

End Date & Time

Friday June 28th, 2024