Survey: Nurses rank highest in suffering from emotional exhaustion

Nurses reported the highest levels of emotional exhaustion of all health workers, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by Duke University researchers published this week in JAMA Online Network. Nurses started the pandemic with 41% reporting emotional exhaustion, escalating to 46% the first year and to 49% the second. The findings resulted from surveys over three years with more than 30,000 health care workers ─ including doctors, nurses, clinical social workers and administrators ─ to track the pandemic’s impact. The study authors said leaders should implement institutional and individual resources for well-being. Chief nurses interviewed by Becker’s Hospital Review overwhelmingly cited well-being and retention as a top concern. “A reset is needed to reignite the discipline’s passion,” said AONL member Kevin Browne, senior vice president of patient care services and CNE at St. Joseph’s Health in Patterson, N.J. “I remain committed to helping nurses find that joy again.” (Newswise release, 9/21/22)