Experts report that compassion fatigue, often referred to colloquially as “burnout,” can take a physical and mental toll on nurses, first responders, physicians, and other professionals who provide patient care or work in emergency situations. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), compassion fatigue consists of two major components: burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) reports that at least 50% of caretakers across medical fields report serious symptoms of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and low sense of professional accomplishment. If left untreated, the unfortunate side effects of nurse burnout can lead to poor job performance, medical mistakes on the job, high turnover rates, and even suicide.

In this guide, we offer tips from experienced nurses on how to recognize symptoms of nursing burnout, the causes of this phenomenon, and the precautions medical professionals can take to prevent burnout.

Noticing Nurse Burnout

Nurses must first know the signs of burnout in order to prevent it. Nursing burnout can surface in a variety of ways but is frequently related to a handful of symptoms, including fatigue, dreading going to work, feeling underappreciated, and feeling constantly overworked.

In many cases, burnout affects healthcare workers when their job physically and mentally demands too much of them for too long.

Tina Gerardi, a registered nurse, says that “burnout can occur when nurses are overworked and experiencing a constant stream of high-stress situations, long shifts, and having to assist [patients’] families with emotional support.”

It’s also important for nursing supervisors and hospital leadership to be able to identify signs of burnout in others, so they can support and accommodate staff as needed.

“Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system,” says Gerardi. “When they’re feeling overworked, physically and mentally exhausted, and not appreciated, it diminishes staff morale and can result in resignations and instability in the workplace.”

In addition to preventative actions taken by employers, supervisors, and managers, nurses need to take extra precautions on their own to avoid nursing burnout.

Tips on Preventing Nurse Burnout

Practicing self-care and mindfulness is one of the best ways for nurses to prevent burnout. This includes regulating one’s shift schedule as much as possible and avoiding overloaded responsibilities whenever possible.

Additionally, experienced nurses encourage nursing professionals to build strong relationships with co-workers and others outside of work. Even though human resources departments, supervisors, and managers can serve as support systems in high-stress times, our nursing contributors suggest that nursing professionals should also build a supplemental support system. In this section, experienced nurses offer their best tips for nurse burnout prevention.

Gerardi suggests that solid relationships inside the workplace and at home play a crucial role in battling nurse burnout. Having someone to talk to about emotional distress and the balance of personal and professional pressures helps nurses deal with high-stress situations.

“While nurses can turn to colleagues and managers for support, it’s important that they have someone outside of work who can listen to their concerns, and give the emotional support needed to help nurses return to their next shift feeling present and prepared,” she says.

Maintaining a work-life balance and prioritizing relationships as a nurse can be challenging.

While it’s easier said than done, Gerardi suggests, “when your shift ends, leave any thoughts, feelings and grievances about work, at work, and make a point to focus your time spent at home with family, friends and doing activities that you enjoy. Be present and mindful.”

Most of us know the value of sleep, but we cannot overstate the importance of good sleep for nursing professionals trying to avoid burnout. Even if nurses need to significantly adjust their sleeping schedule, our contributors recommend that nurses fit in at least eight hours of sleep each day or night, depending on their schedule.

Enough sleep can improve alertness, concentration, stamina, mood, and motivation. For new nurses, surviving your first nursing night shift can be a whole other challenge, but we have some tips for you on that too.

Multiple experienced nurses stress the importance of maintaining a regular exercise routine coupled with a well-balanced diet. Gerardi suggests that nurses should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, including walks during breaks at work and a scheduled workout time after shifts.

“Making time for this physical break will help your body feel rejuvenated and give your mind a mental break from the work at hand,” she says.

Nurses should prioritize their own mental health, too, by taking time off when needed. LaCresha Sims, a productivity and mindset coach and former nurse, even suggests calling in sick, if you’re at the point of burnout and you can’t take any time off.

“Being sick shouldn’t only mean physical symptoms such as a fever or cough,” Sims said. “Not feeling well mentally should also constitute a sick day.”

When possible, nurses should take advantage of any therapeutic or counseling services offered by their institution. They can also find these types of services outside of work.

Rita Trofino, a registered nurse and associate dean of the School of Health Sciences at St. Francis University, suggests that nursing professionals talk to their human resources department to locate employee assistance programs or individual or group therapy options.