These days, you hear the term nurse burnout everywhere. It’s become a go-to phrase for describing the challenges nurses face, from emotional exhaustion to high turnover. But is it the whole story? Some say it oversimplifies what’s really happening. Yes, nurses are dealing with stress and heavy workloads — but they’re also finding ways to innovate, work together, and even thrive in the face of it all.
Patti Artley, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions, sees burnout as a big issue, but she believes there’s more to the conversation.
“Nurses today are undoubtedly overwhelmed,” Artley said. “Burnout is prevalent, particularly among newer nurses, but it doesn’t define the entirety of our profession. Many nurses are engaged, innovative, and deeply resilient despite the challenges they face.”
A recent article from Becker’s Hospital Review recently explored this topic, highlighting insights from Jane Dus, DNP, RN, who noted that the term “nurse burnout” can unintentionally create a broad-stroke image of nurses as perpetually struggling. Artley agreed, adding that while burnout should not be minimized, the conversation needs to reflect the diversity of experiences within the nursing profession.
What causes nurse burnout?
The drivers of nurse burnout have evolved, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Artley, during the height of the pandemic, emotional exhaustion, the trauma of witnessing so much death, and long hours fueled moral distress among nurses. Those drivers have since shifted to include a new set of contributors to that feeling of burnout.
“Now, one of the biggest frustrations nurses report is feeling unheard,” she said. “They express their concerns, but when those concerns aren’t addressed, it contributes to a sense of hopelessness. The issues vary from organization to organization — and even unit to unit — but they are manageable.”
Supporting wellness and reducing nurse burnout
Preventing nurse burnout starts with something simple yet powerful: listening. When nurses feel heard and see their feedback acted upon, it can transform workplace culture, reduce turnover, and foster resilience.
“The best staffing agencies and healthcare organizations prioritize listening to their nurses,” Artley said. “By understanding the unique challenges nurses face, they can adapt processes, foster collaboration, and create meaningful change.”
Beyond listening, creating a supportive environment through targeted wellness initiatives can further reduce burnout. These strategies can include unit-based decompression rooms with features like music, aromatherapy, and massage chairs, which offer nurses quick reprieves during their shifts. On-unit solutions tend to be more effective than requiring nurses to leave their work areas to access similar resources.
Additional measures like gym discounts, weight management programs, and fostering strong team relationships have also been impactful in reducing burnout.
“The most successful units are those where nurses feel a sense of camaraderie,” Artley said. “Teams that support one another both on and off the clock create a culture where burnout is less likely to take root.”
However, addressing nurse burnout also means tackling one of its key contributors: incivility. Nurses often face hostility from patients, families, and even colleagues, which can affect morale and create a toxic work environment.
“We need a zero-tolerance policy for incivility, much like the airline industry’s approach to disruptive passengers,” said Artley. “Nurses should feel safe and respected in their workplaces.”
Some organizations have implemented real-time response teams to address incivility or abuse, providing immediate support that helps nurses feel valued and protected. “This kind of immediate action can make all the difference in creating a safer and more respectful workplace,” Artley explained.
By starting with low-cost solutions like listening and building trust, then layering on impactful wellness programs and incivility policies, healthcare organizations can create an environment where nurses feel empowered, valued, and capable of delivering their best care.
Resilience: The backbone of nursing
While nurse burnout is a challenge, Artley emphasizes that it shouldn’t overshadow the admirable qualities still seen in nurses — such as their resilience in the face of everything they have encountered.
“Nurses are adaptable by nature,” she said. “Healthcare is constantly changing — new patients, diagnoses, technology, and medications — and nurses rise to meet those changes every day.”
Artley goes on to explain that resilience in nursing is not just about overcoming major challenges — it’s seen every day in the actions of nurses who adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative ways to deliver care. Whether it’s adjusting care protocols on the fly, taking on leadership roles within their units, or supporting colleagues during difficult shifts, nurses are constantly demonstrating their ability to meet challenges head-on.
“It’s inspiring to watch nurses embrace change, collaborate with their teams, and find new solutions to improve patient care,” Artley said. “Their resilience truly shines through in these everyday actions.”
Supporting teams and fostering resilience
Nurse burnout remains a pressing issue, but it’s not the full story. Nurses continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation, and commitment, even in the face of evolving challenges. Their ability to adapt, collaborate, and find solutions is a testament to their dedication and passion for patient care.
“The most rewarding part of being a nurse leader is seeing nurses take ownership of solutions and grow professionally,” Artley said. “It’s a reminder of their dedication and passion.”
By creating a culture that values feedback, acknowledges nurses’ diverse experiences, and provides meaningful support, healthcare organizations can reduce burnout and increase retention. Nurses’ adaptability and resourcefulness ensure they remain at the heart of patient care, shaping the future of healthcare with every shift.
Contact Medical Solutions today to discover strategies for addressing nurse burnout and fostering resilience within your team. From wellness resources to initiatives that promote collaboration and professional growth, we’re here to help you build a culture where your clinicians can be heard and thrive.