Preventing Burnout in the Health Professions

Burnout makes it harder to tune out life's stressors

Working as a health professional is not only a noble career pursuit, it is also a highly desired one. With solid pay and job security across the country, healthcare professions offer a lot of flexibility and security. With continuing education opportunities and opportunities to connect with other health professions at conferences and on social media platforms, healthcare is an intellectually stimulating and community-building field. However, succeeding in a healthcare role and preserving your well-being can be challenging at times. Many healthcare professionals experience burnout at some point in their careers. It’s important to take care of yourself, your colleagues, and your loved ones to prevent burnout. 

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a complex phenomenon that results from dissatisfaction with work coupled with physical and mental exhaustion. Burnout is related to other conditions, such as Major Depressive Disorder (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Burnout causes cynicism in the workplace, distancing yourself mentally from your job, and being unable to work effectively (American Nurses Association, 2024). Burnout can also cause feelings of stress and sadness, although it can look different for everyone who experiences it. Healthcare professionals are especially affected by burnout because so many healthcare professionals work in “distressing” environments (Health and Human Services, 2025). Because of burnout, many health professionals are leaving their careers earlier than their peers in other fields, leading to provider shortages nationwide (Health and Human Services, 2025). 

Healthcare workers experience high rates of burnout

Which healthcare professionals are most Affected?

Nurses are impacted by burnout more than any other health profession, with 62% of all nurses reporting burnout. Almost 70% of nurses who are under the age of 25 experience burnout (American Nurses Association, 2025). Nurses are also more vulnerable to experiencing burnout than other health professions if they have not experienced it yet (Izdebski et al., 2023). These statistics are concerning; without a strong nursing workforce, patient health and public health can suffer tremendously. In general, health professionals endure a higher level of “moral injury” than professionals in other fields, which occurs when you are confronted with making professional decisions that go against your personal beliefs (American Nurses Association, 2024). Being such a critical component of patient care delivery, it’s understandable that nurses would have the highest risk for burnout. 

Have regular check-ins with yourself regarding how you're feeling

How can we alleviate Burnout?

Having supervisors reevaluate expectations of their employees during their shifts is a solid place to start. Having realistic expectations, in addition to reducing patient loads when possible, alleviates work-related stress (Rothenberger, 2017 qtd. in Razai et al., 2023). Another way to manage burnout is to request additional training or oversight from your supervisor to help you cope with the expectations of your position (American Nurses Association, 2024). Reaching out for help, both professionally and personally, is an important step to feeling more fulfilled in your role and your life. Additionally, check in on your colleagues and loved ones if you have the emotional capacity to do so; this builds community and resilience. 

Box breathing is a mindfulness exercise you can do at work

Tips and Suggestions

• Seek support from a therapist, psychologist, or counselor 

• Reevaluate your self-care routine

  • What do you think is missing? 

  • What do you need more of in the moment?

• Take time off from work or other responsibilities to prioritize rest 

• Never be afraid to ask for support from your loved ones

  • Even though it can be so hard to ask, they care about your well-being!

• If indicated, talk to a doctor or advanced practice provider about medication

• Practice mindfulness in your day-to-day life

  • Breathing exercises such as box breathing (shown above) are techniques that are possible to do at work during a stressful moment

• If you are struggling deeply at the moment, seek crisis support from 988, Crisis Text Line (741741), or another helpline. 

  • Check out Nurse2Nurse’s peer support hotline: 844-687-7301

Works Cited

American Nurses Association. “Nurse Burnout: What Is It & How to Prevent It.” ANA Nursing Resources Hub, American Nurses Association, 25 Apr. 2024, www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/workplace/what-is-nurse-burnout-how-to-prevent-it/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Izdebski, Z., Kozakiewicz, A., Białorudzki, M., Dec-Pietrowska, J., & Mazur, J. Occupational Burnout in Healthcare Workers, Stress and Other Symptoms of Work Overload during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2428. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032428

Mayo Clinic. “Job Burnout: How to Spot It and Take Action.” Healthy Lifestyle: Adult Health, Mayo Clinic, 30 Nov. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Razai, M. S., Kooner, P., & Majeed, A. (2023). Strategies and Interventions to Improve Healthcare Professionals' Well-Being and Reduce Burnout. Journal of primary care & community health, 14, 21501319231178641. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319231178641

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Health Worker Burnout.” Reports and Publications, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 28 May 2024, www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/health-worker-burnout/index.html. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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