Addressing Burnout: Insights From An Agency Nurse

Nurse burnout is a pressing issue in the healthcare industry, with nurses facing unique challenges as they strive to provide quality care while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In a recent survey conducted by The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, out of the 1061 nurses who participated, 86% of them reported feeling stressed, and 78% said they felt burnt out at work.

To dive deeper into this prevalent issue, we spoke with Paris, a dedicated Enrolled Nurse working with Aktrapid Nursing Agency. Paris shared valuable insights on nurse burnout, the importance of self-care, and the role of agency work in promoting well-being.

Paris emphasised the importance of mental health awareness in healthcare. He shared, "Everyone experiences some aspect of mental health, no matter what field you might be in or what stage of life you might be in." Paris highlighted the need for nurses to prioritise self-care, stating, "It's important to recognise that you need to take time off work and to be able to use that time to put love and work into yourself."

Reflecting on the challenges of healthcare work, Paris expressed, "A lot of the things that we face in healthcare can be confronting, and if you try and lock that away, it does poison you, so you need to be able to express it somehow." He emphasised the importance of processing emotions effectively to prevent burnout and promote mental well-being.

Discussing the benefits of agency work on this issue, Paris shared, "With agency work, it means that I can check in with myself and see, am I working too much, or do I need more break time, and I can choose to do that if I need to." He highlighted the flexibility provided by agency work, enabling him to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritise self-care effectively.

Paris' insights highlight the critical importance of mental health awareness, self-care, and work-life balance in the healthcare industry. His experiences highlight the need for healthcare professionals to prioritise their well-being to prevent burnout and provide quality care to patients. As Paris stated, "You can't pour from an empty cup," emphasising the significance of self-care to continue serving others effectively.

By offering flexibility in work schedules, agency work plays a crucial role in empowering nurses to manage their workload effectively and prioritise self-care. This proactive approach not only benefits the well-being of nurses like Paris but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable healthcare system in Victoria.