STUDENT: Teara Neu

PROJECT ADVISOR: Milton Evans

ABSTRACT

Now more than ever, healthcare workers are working past their breaking point. The recent pandemic has shone a light on the working conditions of nurses all over the world. Nurse burnout or compassion fatigue occurs when work-related mental and physical exhaustion exceeds a functional level and begins affecting the nurse’s ability to show compassion and the quality of care they provide. Research on the effects of nurse burnout is plentiful and some research even suggests ways that the nurse can help themselves when they’re experiencing burnout. Little research suggests what interventions employers can put in place to address and prevent burnout. Research regarding these interventions shows that the implementation of a well-rounded Employee Assistance Program can help improve burnout among their staff. These programs can include cognitive-behavioral skill-building, counseling, activities to promote teamwork and unity, and programs to educate the staff on mindfulness, resiliency, and other self-care tips. All of the research recommends that more needs to be done not just in research, but in practice as well, for nurses experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue.

Key words: nurse burnout, employee assistance program, compassion fatigue, nurse burnout and quality of care.