What is burnout and how does it affect nursing staff?

Burnout is recognized as chronic workplace stress that manifests in physical and emotional exhaustion. It results from prolonged exposure to stressful situations and can severely impact nursing staff's performance, job satisfaction, and overall mental health. When nurses experience burnout, they may find it difficult to engage effectively with patients, leading to a decline in the quality of care provided. This condition can also contribute to increased absenteeism, higher turnover rates, and a greater likelihood of errors on the job, ultimately affecting patient safety and outcomes. Understanding burnout is pivotal in promoting a healthier work environment and ensuring that nurses can deliver quality care continuously.