Burnout among nurses is reaching significant levels, making self-care, boundaries, and mental health support essential for sustaining a healthy workforce.
Valerie J. Fuller, Ph.D., D.N.P.
President, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
If I had a dollar for every time someone answered “stressed” when I asked how they are doing, I’d have a full jar in no time. If nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) added their own dollars, it would overflow. Burnout among healthcare professionals is real and affecting us in ways we can’t afford to ignore. While we work tirelessly for our patients, we are not immune to the stressors around us. In fact, we often carry the weight of our patients’ struggles alongside our own. Recognizing and addressing burnout isn’t just important; it’s critical to sustaining a healthy workforce and delivering the best possible care.
Scope of the problem
The evidence is sobering. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, burnout rates among health workers exceeded 60% in some professions in 2022. The American Nurses Foundation’s 2023 survey found that 64% of nurses reported feeling “exhausted” and more than half were considering leaving their positions. Chronic stress doesn’t just affect us emotionally; it’s linked to higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and even shortened lifespan.
NPs enter this profession driven by a passion to improve lives through comprehensive, patient-centered care. Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, health concerns, and the constant buzz of phones and newsfeeds, the stress of our everyday lives can be compounding.
Recognize stress as a health issue
We wouldn’t ignore early signs of illness in our patients, yet many of us downplay our own warning signs. Stress shows up in ways that are often dismissed, sneaking up as tension, trouble sleeping, or snapping at someone you care about. It can also manifest as symptoms of fatigue, changes in appetite, headaches, or simply not finding joy in things you usually love. Just as we would with our patients, it’s important to recognize these signs and further examine what may be causing them.
What you can do
Even in the middle of a packed day, there are things you can do to promote well-being and prevent burnout:
- Take time for yourself. Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet, a walk, or your favorite show, it counts.
- Set boundaries. Set realistic expectations and boundaries with work, with family, and even with yourself.
- Schedule time for joy. Add it to your calendar like any other appointment.
- Ask for help. Getting support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s a path to better health.
- Rest. Real, uninterrupted rest is vital to your health.
When to reach out
As healthcare providers, we need to apply our knowledge to ensure the provider workforce is better supported to prevent burnout. While stress is a part of life, it shouldn’t take over your life. Let’s stop glorifying burnout and start normalizing rest, boundaries, and asking for what we need.
If stress feels unmanageable, talk with a mental health professional or use your organization’s employee assistance program. National resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7.
The future of healthcare depends on a healthy, supported workforce. By addressing burnout with compassion and strategy, we are ensuring that NPs remain exactly where patients need us: present, focused, and ready to provide the very best care.
