Nurse burnout: Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue
To Prepare:
- Review the national healthcare issues/stressors presented in the Resources and reflect on the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for study.
- Reflect on the feedback you received from your colleagues on your Discussion post for the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected.
- Identify and review two additional scholarly resources (not included in the Resources for this module) that focus on change strategies implemented by healthcare organizations to address your selected national healthcare issue/stressor.
What to Know About Working as a Pediatric Nurse
The Assignment (2-3 Pages):
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on Nurse burnout: Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue
Develop a 2 to 3 page paper, written to your organization’s leadership team, addressing your selected national healthcare issue/stressor and how it is impacting your work setting. Be sure to address the following:
- Describe the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and its impact on your organization. Use organizational data to quantify the impact (if necessary, seek assistance from leadership or appropriate stakeholders in your organization).
- Provide a brief summary of the two articles you reviewed from outside resources on the national healthcare issue/stressor. Explain how the healthcare issue/stressor is being addressed in other organizations.
- Summarize the strategies used to address the organizational impact of national healthcare issues/stressors presented in the scholarly resources you selected. Explain how they may impact your organization both positively and negatively. Be specific and provide examples.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
Understanding the Challenge
The healthcare industry is facing a significant challenge – the increased workload leading to nurse burnout. This issue has far-reaching consequences, affecting both healthcare workers and the quality of patient care. The burnout resulting from heavy workloads can lead to lower morale, increased stress, and even depression among healthcare professionals. This, in turn, reduces their efficiency and the quality of care they provide. The exhaustion and fatigue that come with excessive work can also result in medical errors and reduced patient satisfaction. Notably, this problem doesn’t just affect healthcare professionals; it has a substantial impact on healthcare organizations as well.
Supporting Data
Various studies and data support the notion that burnout due to increased workloads is a major concern. For instance, research in the International Journal of Health Services estimates that medical errors caused by burnout cost a staggering $17.1 billion annually in the United States. The American Journal of Health Promotion reveals that healthcare organizations experience an 11% decrease in productivity and a 10% increase in absenteeism due to burnout. Additionally, the American Journal of Nursing finds that burnout can lead to a 25% increase in staff turnover rates.
Understanding the Research
Two important articles shed light on this issue. The first, by Christianson et al. (2022), examines the impact of COVID-19 on nurses’ intent to leave the profession. It delves into the relationship between work-related burnout and compassion fatigue, both of which are linked to feelings of exhaustion and emotional depletion. The study reveals that nurses with higher levels of burnout and compassion fatigue are more likely to consider leaving their profession, irrespective of their race, gender, or years of experience. The results highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing burnout and compassion fatigue during the pandemic.
Another article by Olaleye, Christianson, and Hoot (2022) investigates nurse burnout and resilience among critical care nurses. It explores the prevalence of burnout and the factors contributing to it, such as workload, working conditions, and job satisfaction. The article also emphasizes the importance of resilience in combating burnout. It suggests that interventions should include providing resources to nurses, improving communication, and offering support systems. The study concludes that further research is necessary to fully understand the factors influencing burnout and resilience in critical care nurses.
Addressing the Challenge
Healthcare organizations are taking proactive steps to tackle the issue of increased workload and nurse burnout. One approach is to prioritize nurse-patient ratios, often referred to as “safe staffing.” By increasing the number of nurses, hospitals and healthcare facilities can reduce the workload on nurses and ensure that they can provide high-quality care to all patients. Organizations are also focusing on nurse retention by improving the work culture, offering competitive pay and benefits, and creating flexible work schedules. These efforts are essential in creating an environment where nurses feel supported and appreciated for their hard work. Employee well-being is closely tied to their engagement at work. Additionally, many organizations are investing in technology and resources to automate certain aspects of care, such as electronic medical records, to save nurses time. Finally, organizations are providing additional training and education to keep nurses up to date with the latest healthcare trends and technologies. These steps aim to reduce nurse burnout and enhance patient care.
Effective Strategies
The strategies used to address nurse burnout stressors are multi-faceted. They include:
1. Increasing managerial support and communication.
2. Implementing stress management and self-care programs.
3. Creating a supportive work environment.
4. Offering flexible working hours, job sharing, and shift rotation.
5. Implementing workload balancing and task delegation.
6. Providing mentorship, coaching, and education.
Additionally, resources such as counseling, peer support, and employee assistance programs are provided, and efforts are made to advocate for nurse wellness and safety. These strategies are designed to alleviate nurse burnout and stress, ultimately benefiting both nurses and the organizations they work for.
Impact on the Organization
The strategies employed to address nurse burnout have the potential to impact organizations positively. They can increase job satisfaction, reduce stress and burnout, and improve the overall quality of patient care. Furthermore, these strategies may lead to higher productivity and creativity among nurses, reduce absenteeism, and boost organizational morale. However, if these strategies are not properly implemented or fail to consider the specific needs and challenges of the organization, they could have a negative impact. For instance, if an organization lacks the resources to provide flexible working hours, job sharing, or shift rotation, these strategies may not be effective. Similarly, if an organization cannot offer mentorship, coaching, and education due to resource constraints, these strategies may not yield the desired results. It’s crucial for organizations to tailor their approach to their unique circumstances.
References
Christianson, J., Johnson, N., Nelson, A., & Singh, M. (2022). Work-Related Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Nurse Intention to Leave the Profession During COVID-19. Nurse Leader. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2022.06.007
Jacobs, B., McGovern, J., Heinmiller, J., & Drenkard, K. (2018). Engaging employees in well-being: Moving from the triple aim to the quadruple aim. Nursing administration quarterly, 42(3), 231–245. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000303
Jun, J., Ojemeni, M. M., Kalamani, R., Tong, J., & Crecelius, M. L. (2021). Relationship between nurse burnout, patient and organizational outcomes: Systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 119, 103933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103933
Olaleye, T. T., Christianson, T. M., & Hoot, T. J. (2022). Nurse burnout and resiliency in critical care nurses: a scoping review. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 17, 100461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100461
White, E. M., Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., & McHugh, M. D. (2020). Nursing home work environment, care quality, registered nurse burnout and job dissatisfaction. Geriatric Nursing, 41(2), 158-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2019.08.007 nurse burnout ANALYSIS OF A PERTINENT HEALTHCARE ISSUE assignment example
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.