There are different views on what burnout in the nursing profession is, for example: Lang et al. (2010), states that burnout is a syndrome that encompasses emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment, while another study states, “burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion when caregivers’ perceived demands outweigh perceived resources” (Potter, Pion, & Gentry, 2015, p. 1). Similar to Lang et al.’s, (2010), research, another article defines burnout as “a well-known phenomenon associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and an inability to work effectively” (Hegney et al., 2014, p. 507). When experiencing emotional exhaustion, one cannot simply give anymore of oneself …show more content…
Depersonalization in nursing, is stated to be when one feels contempt towards their patients/clients. The feeling that you, as a nurse, are no longer competent and capable of doing your job, and the job is no longer rewarding (Lang, Pfister & Siemens, 2010). In contrast, Mollart, Skinner, Newing, and Foureur (2013), define emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment slightly different. In nurses, when emotional resources become minimal, and when they distance themselves cognitively and emotionally, is when they are said the be emotionally exhausted. To become uninterested, cynical, to distance oneself from patients by disregarding what makes them unique, and to disengage, is suggested to be depersonalization. Reduced personal accomplishment in the nursing profession is suggested to be when the nurse evaluates themselves negatively (Mollart, …show more content…
. . we need to be supportive of each other. Not a bunch of hens ” (Mealer, Conrad, Evans, Jooste, Solyntjes, Rothbaum, & Moss, 2014, p. 102). Similarities, and differences were found in a study on trauma nurses, done by Hinderer et al. (2014), in regards to contributing factors to burnout. Hinderer et al. (2014), found that burnout was correlated with poorer relationships among coworkers, 12 hour shifts, more experience in the current position, and additional time in direct patient care. Among nurses in an army facility, similar findings of contributing factors were summarized, and showed that “prolonged exposure to chronic stress, intense client relationships, and extended work hours can be emotionally draining and lead to burnout” (Lang et al., 2010, p. 435). The same study conducted by Lang et al., (2010), found that reducing work days to 8 hour shifts lessens the likeliness of developing emotional exhaustion, which is a component of burnout. A similar study, that yielded different results, developed by Hegney et al. (2014), found that there were positive relationships with trauma nurses who suffered from depression, anxiety, and stress, with burnout. Additionally, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were positively correlated to higher anxiety levels and depression, and higher levels of anxiety were directly related with younger nurses, worked full-time hours and lacked a post-graduate qualification. Lack of compassion satisfaction, stress and depression