WORK-RELATED STRESS AND BURNOUT

Objectives Identify signs and symptoms of stress, reality shock, and burnout Describe the impact of stress, reality shock, and burnout on the individual and the health-care team Evaluate his or her own colleagues’ stress levels Develop strategies to manage personal and professional stresses

Statistics More people have heart attacks on Monday morning as they prepare to go to work than on any other day of the week Two-thirds of all office visits to physicians are the result of stress Stress plays a role in the two major killers of adults: heart disease and cancer

Stress Effects of Stress Hans Selye first explored the concept of stress in the 1930’s His description of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) has influenced our present-day notions about stress and its effects on humans Stress is assessed on four levels Environmental Social Physiological Psychological

Good Stress versus Bad Stress Seven factors identified: Good stresses allow people to exert a high level of control over outcomes. Bad stresses allow little or no control Positive feelings are associated with good stress and negative or ambivalent feelings occur with bad stress Eagerness is associated with good stress

Good Stress versus Bad Stress Exhaustion and avoidance are associated with bad stress Good stress associated with personal growth and improved interpersonal relationships. Bad stress is associated with limitations and bad relationships Processing all stress requires human action

Reality Shock First few weeks are the “honeymoon’’ phase Honeymoon phase won’t last forever Graduates often feel a conflict between professional and work goals

Differences in Expectations To cope with reality, you must recognize: Expectations are distortions of reality (this can bring about disappointment) To some extent, you need to fit yourself into your work, not fit the work to suit your needs or demands The way you perceive events on the job will influence how you feel about your work

Your mental attitude will affect whether work is a pleasant or unpleasant experience Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness cause frustration and unrelieved job stress

Additional Pressures on the New Graduate Acceptance by a new group? Competence? Ideals Loss of protection of clinical supervision Loss of sense of collegiality and trusted relationships Grounded feedback Set boundaries

Ineffective Ways to Cope Abandon professional goals- will eliminate conflict but leaves you as a less effective caregiver Give up professional ideals- work for the paycheck Leave the profession

Effective Ways to Cope Develop a professional identity Learn more about the organization Use your energy wisely Communicate effectively Seek feedback often and persistently Develop a support network Find a mentor

Burnout The ultimate result of unmediated job stress Often attributed to frustration in the nurses ability to deliver ideal care

Aspects (4 stages) of burnout High expectation and idealism Pessimism and early job dissatisfaction Withdrawal and isolation Irreversible detachment and loss of interest

Stressors Leading to Burnout Personal factors- age, gender, children, education, experience, and favored coping style Job Related Conditions Human Service Occupations- caring for sick and dying persons Conflicting Demands- balancing work and family

Technology Lack of Balance in Life- inability of a person to set limits

Consequences???? Burnout can cause: Financial implications Physical implications Emotional implications Social implications

Buffer against burnout PERSONAL HARDINESS Sense of personal control Commitment to work and life activities Viewing demands and change as a challenge Adaptive coping mechanisms

Stress Management Only you can manage your reaction to stress! ABC’s of Stress Management Awareness- be honest with and to yourself Belief- believe in yourself Commitment- be committed to work on stress recognition and reduction

Physical Health Management Take a deep breath! Stand up straight! Go to bed early (get at least 8 hours of sleep per night) Relax!!! Take a break! Eat properly Exercise

Mental Health Management Take responsibility for your own thoughts and attitudes!!! Realistic expectations Reframe your thoughts Laugh Social support- make a friend!!

CONCLUSION Ultimately- you are in control! You need to cut out the next frame, put it on your bathroom mirror, and read it to yourself before starting your day!!!

I CHOOSE… I choose to relish my days I choose to enjoy this moment I choose to be fully present to others I choose to fully engage in the activity at hand I choose to proceed at a measured, effective pace I choose to acknowledge all I have achieved so far I choose to focus on where I am and what I am doing I choose to acknowledge that this is the only moment in which I can take action.