TITLE:
The Effects of Nurse Burnout on Patient Experiences
AUTHORS:
Donel Richemond, Maria Needham, Kerline Jean
KEYWORDS:
Burnout, Nurses, Maslach Burnout Inventory Tool, SBAR Communication
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Business and Management,
Vol.10 No.5,
September
29,
2022
ABSTRACT: This study explored the strategies leaders can adopt
to reduce the emotional exhaustion, lack of personal fulfillment, and
depersonalization that characterize nurse burnout. The problem identified was
continued nurse burnout resulting from long shifts most days of the week and
fatigue due to lack of rest, affecting the quality of patient care and nurses’
overall health and wellness. The proposed solution implemented the Maslach
Burnout Inventory (MBI) tool with SBAR communication to measure nurses’
workload, assess their emotional exhaustion, and assign shifts accordingly. The
implementation process focused on developing the necessary leadership practices
to help reduce nurse burnout. This involved obtaining approval from the
appropriate authorities to implement the
strategies. Literature on evidence-based approaches was reviewed to
incorporate lessons learned from other institutions into the process to gain
deeper insight. A meeting was then scheduled with all stakeholders to identify
and understand how the strategy would impact the work environment. Leader
empowerment practice policies were then created to help implement the changes
in the organizational culture. A two-week training session educated nurses
about the adverse effects of burnout, the tools available to monitor burnout,
and empowering practices that can facilitate change. The project evaluation
revealed successes such as increased collaboration and cooperation among
stakeholders and lessons learned that can inform future projects.