Blog Post: 7 Ways Forensic Nurses Can Tackle Burnout
"Burnout" isn’t just a buzzword; it's a real condition that's been impacting healthcare workers long before the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Burnout is the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion of prolonged stress. This condition usually stems from an overload of responsibilities such as excessive workloads, staff shortages, administrative hassles, and even workplace violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly half of healthcare professionals are grappling with burnout.
Forensic nurses, in particular, face their own set of challenges. Their role in supporting survivors of violence leaves them susceptible to vicarious trauma⸺the trauma that can occur after exposure to someone else’ trauma. This type of trauma can bring on intrusive thoughts, sleepless nights, and a tendency to withdraw. It is no surprise, then, that forensic nurses experience burnout at higher rates than other health care professionals. In fact, according to data highlighted in DCFNE's public testimony during the FY25 District of Columbia Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety Budget Oversight Hearing, the average forensic nurse career lasts just two years.
So what can forensic nurses do to tackle burnout?
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the answer to burnout in health care workers is multi-faceted, and involves action from the government, health care systems, educational institutions, insurance companies, and society at large. Though a singular forensic nurse may not be able to affect change on such a massive scale, there are quite a few things they can do in the meantime to alleviate stress and care for their own well-being. Here’s how:
1. Recognize the signs of burnout in yourself and in your peers.
Symptoms of burnout can range from depression and anxiety, to physical issues like headaches and stomach problems. If you notice that a colleague is missing work frequently or making repeated errors in their documentation, it might be a sign that they are experiencing burnout. Check in with your peers regularly to ask, “How are you doing, really?” By doing this, you are helping to create a supportive workplace where employees feel safe to discuss the challenges they face.
2. Find and use available resources.
Ask your employer if there is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that you can access. DCFNE uses Inova’s EAP, which offers grief and psychological counseling, legal assistance, financial guidance, and more. If your employer does not offer an EAP, consider utilizing some of the free resources from the National Alliance on Mental Health.
3. If you receive leave time from your employer, use it!
It may come as a surprise, but according to National Insurance Services, 78% of Americans don’t use all of their allowable paid time off. Nurses often feel guilty about taking time off, and sometimes their workplaces hold policies that inadvertently discourage the use of leave time. Remember, leave benefits are part of your employment package—just like your paycheck. It’s vital for your mental and physical health that you have opportunities to recharge.
4. Stay connected with the people who mean the most to you.
Make time for those who lift you up. Schedule regular meet-ups with friends, phone calls with family, or quality time with the kids in your life. Even when work gets hectic, maintaining these connections can help keep you grounded.
5. Re-prioritize healthy habits.
If you struggle with meeting your basic health needs, you are not alone! The busier we get, the easier it is to put off the tasks that support our own well-being. Focusing on the essentials can make a big difference. Drink water, eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, and incorporate short walks into your day. Small adjustments can greatly enhance your resilience to workplace stress.
6. Make time for joy!
When was the last time you did something just for fun? Whether it’s picking up a new hobby like knitting or drawing, reading a book, or enjoying a game night with friends, engaging in enjoyable activities can provide a much-needed break from daily routines and boost your overall happiness.
7. Use your voice to effect change in your workplace.
Advocate for policies that support better work conditions, such as improved leave time policies or more flexible schedules. Insist on policies that address health worker diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Don’t shy away from conversations about mental health and workplace stress. Though it can be scary to address these topics with your employer, speaking up can lead to meaningful changes and create a more supportive environment for everyone.
Forensic nurses have a critical job to do: to support the healing of survivors of violence. As we continue to make strides in addressing burnout on a systemic level, we hope that these tips will help health care workers to feel balanced and resilient while doing this important work.
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