# Burnout --- **Burnout** is a state of exhaustion that can be the result of prolonged or [[chronic stress]], particularly in a workplace environement. Although there are systems problems that lead to burnout and must be addressed, it is also important that te individual is the steward of their own health and work towards preventing their own burnout, especially in high risk occupations. There are three primary aspects of burnout: emotional exhaustion, detachment and a lack of personal accomplishment. - **Emotional exhaustion** is a feeling of being overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless. - **Detachment** or **compassion fatigue** is when you feel less empathy towards others, and you stop [[theory of caring|caring]] about people - **Lack of personal accomplishment**, when you lack a feeling of being competent in your role. ## Burnout in Healthcare Burnout can happen anywhere but it is a particular issue in healthcare such as [[nursing]], and these notes will discuss burnout in a halthcare setting. There are structural situations that can lead to burnout, such as staffing shortages leading to a high pateint ratio (up to 1:16), many demands on someone's time, with charting, paperwork, etc. Burnout in healthcare affects patients. Burnout leads to: - More infections - More Mistakes - Lower Ratings ### Fighting Burnout To care most effectively for others, nurses *must first take time to care for themselves*. Healthy activities outside of work can make a big impact during work, such as: - exercise - balanced nutrition - mindfullness therapy - quality socilization ___