Nursing Burnout: Its Effects and Future Prevention Strategies 

Presenter

Madison Marie Waterson

Campus

Fitchburg State University

Sponsor

Amy Kendrick, Department of Nursing, Fitchburg State University

Schedule

Session 3, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C23, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 3 (C21-C30) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Background: This literature review aimed to capture the issues that burnout creates for the field of nursing and methods that could be used to decrease its prevalence. Nursing burnout is caused by incessant stress. Problems such as low staffing, unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios, and a poor work environment lead to decreased patient satisfaction, lowered patient safety, and increased turnover rates among nurses. Methods: This paper is a qualitative literature review. To conduct the research for the review, four databases were utilized: ​​CINAHL, MedLine, PubMed, and Google Scholar. For each search, the terms “burnout” or “nursing burnout” were utilized. Supplemental terms based on each search were then added, such as, “mindfulness,” “staffing,”  or “patient safety.” The initial findings were narrowed with the following inclusion criteria: having been published in a peer-reviewed journal within the last five years, research conducted in the United States, and written in the English language. Eighteen articles were collected in total, with nine articles being used for the literature review. Results: A poor work environment is correlated with heightened burnout among nurses. Unsafe staffing levels, which contribute to the work environment, are a widespread issue that warrants attention. Intrapersonally, mindfulness and aromatherapy interventions are shown to help decrease burnout and stress levels among nurses. Conclusions: Overall, it was found that nursing burnout is not a new issue, rather a worsening one. Institutional level changes must be made, such as implementing safe nurse-to-patient ratios and encouraging unionization. Additionally, relaxation techniques can be employed on a personal level among nurses.

Keywords

nursing burnout, safe staffing levels, mindfulness

Research Area

Nursing

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