BURNOUT - Lack of Training and Education contributing to burnout
Sep 08, 2024
BURNOUT - Healthcare burnout has only become more prevalent since COVID. And although there are many potential solutions to this issue - how many are actually being implemented? And if not, why?
Besides the more obvious reasons for burnout: long arduous hours, the constant stress of high acuity situations and traumatic experience of lives being lost, shift work effects on the body, lack of breaks or vacation time being allotted or afforded, etc - other reasons that we have more readily within our control is training and education.
A lack of competency in any healthcare related skill will only cause further stress and strain on the healthcare professional. Not feeling comfortable, confident, or capable of certain skills will cause a constant stressor, lack of perceived ability, lack of self confidence, and gradual mental and emotional deterioration when it comes to their jobs and their performance.
And the worst part is that many healthcare professionals do not even feel comfortable asking for help! They may feel embarrassed, they may feel like they could be ridiculed, or even lose their jobs over it. Therefore, many healthcare professionals just push through and try their best.
But if we have this training and education readily available and readily discussed with all staff members - this will allow us to bridge the gap - ensure all staff members feel comfortable and confident - and therefore provide these professionals with a greater sense of self-confidence and perceived ability to successfully do their jobs. This benefits not only benefits the healthcare professional, but more importantly our patients as well.
