Working at long term care facilities rate high for job satisfaction but often low for emotional and physical exhaustion. Staff burnout in long term care is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on both the staff and the residents. It is important to understand the causes of burnout and recognize the signs in order to prevent it.
What Causes Burnout?
High levels of emotional and physical demands that are faced every day is a major contributor to burnout. These demands come from residents, management, and ever changing government regulations. The demands placed on staff can lead to poor work-life balance and generally feeling undervalued.
Prevention
Consistent training and support. Providing opportunities for staff to develop their skills and knowledge help strengthen communication and provides support. Create a positive work environment by showing empathy for how emotionally and physically demanding the work it. It is important to find small ways to acknowledge and reward hard work and dedication.
Understanding the Signs and Overcoming
In the long term care industry it is not a matter of if burnout will occur but noticing the signs of when it is occurring.
If staff burnout does occur, it is important to address it early on. Some of the things that can be done to address staff burnout include:
Recognize and acknowledge the signs
Providing counseling and support for staff
Offering flexible work arrangements
Providing time off for staff to rest and recuperate
Making changes to the work environment to reduce stress
It is important to remember that staff burnout is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on both the staff and the residents. By taking steps to prevent and address burnout, long term care facilities can create a healthier and more positive work environment for all.
How Managers Can Identify and Prevent Burnout
Burnout is a serious issue that can have a negative impact on both staff and residents. It is important for managers to be aware of the signs of burnout and to take steps to prevent it.
Signs of Burnout
Emotional exhaustion
Cynicism
Reduced productivity
Increased absenteeism
Health problems
Addressing Burnout
Here are a few suggestions on how to address the issues early on:
Provide counseling and support for staff.
Offer flexible work arrangements.
Provide time off for staff to rest and recuperate.
Make changes to the work environment to reduce stress.
It is important to remember that burnout is a serious issue, but it can be prevented if addressed early on. By taking steps to create a positive work environment and to support staff, managers can help to prevent burnout and ensure that their staff are healthy and productive.