Community Stories

Signs of nurse burnout and what to do about it

April 8, 2025

Wondering if that “off” feeling is more than just normal stress? You might be burned out. It’s alarmingly common in healthcare, and it can sneak up on you. Here are the most common signs of nurse burnout and tips to help you start feeling better.

What is nurse burnout?

Nurse burnout is a state of chronic emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by extended work stress. It’s common in high-pressure environments like nursing and usually stems from a lack of support, high workload, low professional-to-patient levels, long shifts or low control. Left unaddressed, burnout can lead to serious consequences for your personal health and patient safety.

10 common signs of nurse burnout

Burnout isn’t your fault: it’s a signal that something needs to change. If you recognize yourself in more than a few of these, take action.

Emotional exhaustion: You feel drained before your shift even starts.
Irritability or detachment: You snap at fellow healthcare professionals or feel numb about your patients.
Chronic fatigue: You feel tired, no matter how much you rest.
Sleep issues: You have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up rested.
Anxiety or dread about your shifts: You feel anxiety (or even dread) about your shifts, even when you have a few days off.
Lack of motivation: Tasks that once felt doable feel overwhelming.
Feeling unappreciated or under-appreciated: It seems like you’re giving everything and getting nothing back.
Decreased performance: You’re making rookie mistakes or feeling foggy-headed.
Physical symptoms: Burnout symptoms can vary. Some examples are headaches, stomach issues, or catching every bug going around.
Isolation: You’re starting to pull away from friends, other healthcare professionals or family.

What to do if you’re burned out

If you have any of the nurse burnout symptoms on the list above, don’t wait until it gets worse. Try one or more of these steps to start recovering.

Talk to someone: Confide in a trusted friend or family member so they can help you figure out what’s going on.
Seek professional help: Find a mental health professional that understands nurse burnout to get on the path to recovery.
Set boundaries: Say “no” when you need to. Take your full break and mentally log off when your shift ends.
Use PTO or mental health days: Rest is not a luxury. It’s necessary, especially when you’re burned out. If you have time off or the ability to take an extended break, now’s the time to do so.
Find support programs: Your hospital or community may offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) if you’re an employee, or there may be peer support groups in your area.
Prioritize self-care: Enough sleep, extra hydration and even five minutes of focused breathing can make a difference.
Consider a change: New shifts, working on your own terms or a new setting might help.

Final thoughts: Burnout is your mind and body saying, ‘I need help.’

If you’re burned out, ask for help. Reach out to people that you can depend on for support and try these tips, but recognize that might not be enough. If you need more, get help from a mental health professional. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988.