workforce
Proactive approach
‘ Reclaim your health ’: avoiding burnout for aged-care nurses
By Arshmah Jamal
Overworked , overstretched , and overstressed – it is no secret that aged-care nurses are burning out and quitting their jobs across Australia .
Data from the Department of Health and Aged Care shows that since 2016 , there has been a 60 per cent increase in nurses who have taken an extended leave of absence .
Research by the Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association also found that 30 per cent were planning to leave their job within the next five years .
Nurses in residential aged care account for 23 per cent of the workforce , with over half being a young person .
New nursing mandates , staffing shortages and workplace conditions have caused further strain on the workforce , breeding an environment of burnout .
YOUNG NURSES BEAR THE BRUNT The last few years have placed an exceptionally high burden on young nurses .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare identified a 25 per cent increase in young nurses in Australia . However , many of these early career healthcare workers end up leaving due to burnout .
Linda Williams , clinical lead at ReachOut , said young nurses could be more susceptible to burnout due to the
abrupt shift from university coursework to full-time work .
“ For young nurses , they may be experiencing a transition from learning and training into full-time work , in addition to the stressful nature of the job ,” Ms Williams said .
“ Working in a complex job where there are often significant demands can contribute to a sense of constant stress .”
“ Eventually , too much stress on your body over a long period can cause burnout . And that burnout is a state of complete mental , physical and emotional exhaustion .”
Ms Williams said the best approach to tackle burnout is to be proactive and practice good sleep habits , exercise , and use your downtime to “ recharge batteries in ways that bring you joy ”.
“ For those nurses who are experiencing burnout or are concerned about it , it is important to seek help and learn more ,” Ms Williams said .
“ That might be by booking an appointment with your GP , getting more info via a mental health service , or even speaking to your manager if you feel comfortable doing so .”
FOR THE NURSES , BY THE NURSES Nurse and Midwife Support ( NM Support ) is Australia ’ s first national phone and
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The best approach to tackle burnout is to be proactive and use your downtime to recharge batteries in ways that bring you joy
online service to offer confidential advice , referrals , and support for nurses , midwives , graduates , and students nationwide .
The service is run by nurses and midwives , highlighting the importance of mentors .
“ Many nurses that call us are experiencing burnout , but they don ’ t know how to describe what ’ s happening to them ,” a spokesperson said .
“ If you are feeling burnout , the good news is that it ’ s possible to reclaim your health and feel well again by implementing various strategies and tips .”
The first step in preventing burnout is to develop a health plan that includes mindfulness and support . “ Learn when to stop , do breathing exercises , reflect , and then access support .” “ From there , start prioritising your health .” NM Support said that when experiencing burnout , take a step back and re-evaluate the minor and significant details in your lives .
“ Take your entitlements like a mental health day , set boundaries at work , develop a career plan , and get support .” ■ For help visit nmsupport . org . au or call 1800 667 877
26 agedcareinsite . com . au