(46) Nurse Leaders and Shared Governance Partner to Reduce Burnout

Title: Nurse Leaders and Shared Governance Partner to Reduce Burnout

Abstract : The complexity of pediatric hematology oncology patients and the demanding nature of healthcare has contributed to the trend of high nurse burnout. Nurse burnout is associated with increased errors, a negative impact on patient safety, and is correlated with nurse attrition.
The purpose of this project was to take a proactive organizational approach to addressing nurses’ need for access to tools and resources to prevent burnout.
Nursing leaders, in collaboration with the shared governance healthy work environment council, conducted an initial burnout survey in 2023 to establish baseline and identify contributing factors. A four-question Likert survey was repeated in 2024. The survey asked respondents to identify overall presence of burnout on a 1-5 scale (1= no symptoms to 5 = completely burned out), and to identify top three stressors in the workday. Nursing councils and leaders collaborated in developing action plans and providing resources to impact the top stressors.
Survey scores between 3-5 decreased from 56.4% to 42.7%. All nursing areas reported lower burnout scores. Level 5 burnout decreased by 28%. Nurses aged 45-54 reported 41% less burnout. Top stressors identified included staffing, teamwork/community, and patient load/clinical task volume. Four areas of focus identified from the survey included: recruitment (both experienced and float pool nurses); improving applicant experience, retention (experienced staff, flexible staffing and career advancement), recognition (for longevity, team building), peer support, organizational resources, and access to a digital library with topic specific content. Caring for patients with catastrophic diseases and their families rose to the top-ranking stressor in 2024.
A proactive approach to identify symptoms of burnout and intervene early may reduce turnover. The partnership between shared governance councils and leadership to address stressors had a significant impact on decreasing nurses’ overall presence of burnout.