Career Burnout - a Healthcare Hazard

Healthcare workers experience a relatively high risk  of career burnout.  It's not surprising really, when you consider the emotional intensity of the work and the potential it brings for life-altering, even life-ending, failure.

At highest risk are those most often considered the best providers; the most dedicated caregivers. They  often take the job home with them, and are frequently willing to displace personal priorities in order to meet the needs of their patients. They rarely hesitate to take on additional work, have high standards and perfectionist tendencies, and are intensely driven.

Individuals suffering burnout often feel that they carry heavy responsibility but have little authority or control over the outcome.

We've all read the reports. Health-care workers are expressing career dissatisfaction in record numbers. We see it first-hand. Many arrive at work each day disheartened, frustrated, even angry. Walk down the halls of any busy hospital - you can see it in their faces, hear it in their conversations.

As a group, those who exhibit passion (and compassion) in their life's work are often not as good at nurturing self and maintaining personal balance.

More than any other profession, healthcare needs people with passion. But how do we help keep the flame within burning when the night is long and dark?

The articles listed below offer some suggestions on identifying and combating career burn out.

Battling Burnout - Monster.com
http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/Work-Life-Balance/Battling-Burnout-in-Healthcare/article.aspx

Are You Burned Out - Medhunters.com
http://www.medhunters.com/articles/areYouBurnedOut.html

Comments

[Clinical Cases and Images]

In 2001, BMJ published an issue on promoting wellbeing among doctors.
I tried to summarize the set of wellbeing practices in the mnemonic MOTORS:

“MOTORS” stands for:

M eaning --> find a meaning in what you do or a living but don't forget to set limits around it
O utlook --> have a positive outlook on life. Be philosophical but also focused on success
T ime --> spend quality time with F&F (Family & Friends)
O ut of of yuppie values --> don't focus on chasing money or prestige
R eligious / spiritual practices
S elf care practices, like sports, meditation

[Career search]

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