More than 1 million people around the world have been afflicted by COVID-19. This, of course, has an impact on healthcare workers such as nurses working on the frontlines to defend the lives of everyone affected. The extended war against COVID-19 has left many nurses on the front lines of care fatigued and stressed. Here are some pointers on how to spot the signs and symptoms of pandemic burnout, as well as how to prevent it.
What is Pandemic Burnout?
Burnout is a term that many people equate with complete fatigue. But, according to the World Health Organization, it's also associated with increased pessimism and decreased productivity at work. Long before the pandemic, it was a major issue in health care. However, insufficient staffing and a crushing and unpredictable workload are increasingly contributing to an epidemic of burnout.
Symptoms of Pandemic Burnout
To avoid burnout, nurses must first recognize the symptoms. Nursing burnout can manifest itself in several ways. Some of the most prevalent signs of pandemic exhaustion include:
fatigue
- no passion to go to work
- feeling undervalued
- feeling overworked
Other less common symptoms are:
- throat irritation
- headache
- pains, aches and rashes
Serious symptoms to watch out for:
- Breathing problems or shortness of breath
- Speech or mobility problems
- confusion
Tips on how to prevent pandemic burnout
Here are some tips on how nurses can prevent pandemic burnout:
Self-care
One of the most effective methods for nurses to avoid burnout is to practice self-care and mindfulness. This includes keeping as much control over one's shift schedule as possible and avoiding overburdening oneself with tasks wherever possible.
Building Strong Interpersonal Relationships
To combat nurse burnout, it's critical to have strong relationships both at work and at home. Nurses can cope with high-stress situations by talking to someone about their emotional suffering and the balance of personal and professional pressures.
Get Enough Sleep
Everyone requires eight hours of sleep. The biggest positive impact of sleep is that it aids in the restoration of energy lost during the day. Rest is beneficial in preventing burnout. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep, as there is with many other areas of human biology. Overall, evidence suggests that 7–9 hours of sleep is sufficient for healthy young people and adults with typical sleep patterns.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity has been demonstrated to lower stress levels and improve mental well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to help those with depression, anxiety, and burnout. Likewise, exercise helps you sleep better, decreases stress, and boosts memory. Yoga, for example, can help relieve stress and prevent burnout.
Identify Situations You Can And Can’t Control
Even when there isn't a pandemic, the list of healthcare grievances is vast. Understandably, frustration is at an all-time high. Attempt to decide what you can control and what is out of your control logically and thoughtfully. If at all possible, avoid devoting time and energy to things over which you have no control, as this will lead to emotions of helplessness.
Several online and in-person services are available to assist healthcare workers in avoiding or recovering from burnout. While not all healthcare facilities have on-staff therapists, it is a good idea to look for them. Nurses can speak with administrators about requesting more flexibility in nursing schedules, additional mental health support, and self-care days.
