The Causes, Effects, and Preventions of Nursing Burnout

Jannie Thompson

LIBS 490-02

Liberal Studies Senior Capstone

Senior Capstone Project Selection:

Community-Engaged Service-Learning

26 April 2024
Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………….Section 1

The Methods and Procedures…………………………………………………………Section 2

The Literature Review…………………………………………………………………..Section 3

Analysis……………………………………………………………………………….Section 4

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………Section 5
Introduction

At Doylestown Hospital, the profession of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is essential to

guaranteeing patients' comfort and well-being in the medical setting. The purpose of this

introduction is to give a thorough overview of the duties, work environment, and goals related to

the PCT job. The main objective of Doylestown Hospital is to deliver exceptional,

patient-centered care that is compassionate, goes above and beyond expectations, and promotes

good health outcomes. The organization is committed to innovation, constant progress, and the

pursuit of excellence in the provision of healthcare services. Patient Care Technicians at

Doylestown Hospital are responsible for directly caring for patients, while being supervised by

registered nurses and/or other medical experts. This position includes a variety of duties meant to

assist patients with their emotional and physical requirements, encourage healing, and keep a

clean and safe atmosphere. These duties include direct patient care: assisting with grooming,

mobility, and comfort, monitoring vital signs and patient conditions, assisting with medical

procedures and equipment, supporting patient mobility and transfers, advocating for patient

needs and preferences, managing medical equipment and documentation, ensuring infection

control measures, effective communication with patients and healthcare team responding to

emergencies, engaging in continuous education and training etc. (I will get more into these tasks

further into this paper) Given that you will be performing all of these tasks during a 12-hour

shift, it is critical to maintain a healthy work environment, staff, and mindset. Unfortunately, the

healthcare system is known for creating toxic work spaces. The term "toxicity" describes a

number of unfavorable features of the healthcare system, including a blame culture, unnecessary

communication, professional burnout, hierarchical structures, and systemic problems that have

an impact on patient care. It can take many different forms, such as excessive levels of stress,
bullying, discrimination, and harassment at work. Patient safety, overall treatment quality, and

morale are all compromised by toxicity. Considering this, the outcome of this project is to be

based on the causes, effects and preventions surrounding nursing burnout.

"Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress" is the definition of burnout.

The well-being of nurses and the standard of patient care are both negatively impacted by the

widespread and serious problem of nursing burnout in the healthcare industry. A psychological

illness known as burnout is allowed by ongoing workplace stress that is not well controlled.

Emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment are

common symptoms. A healthcare worker could have thes best shift of their life, mess up one

thing, and not be able to sleep the next night due to crumbling anxiety. Burnout is especially

dangerous for nurses since it can result in a reduction in the general standard of care. Emotional

tiredness and depersonalization are the main causes of nursing burnout. The psychological and

physical impacts on nurses who choose to work overtime are identical to those experienced by

nurses who are not given the choice. Feeling under pressure to work is all too prevalent in the

nursing profession, which increases burnout and its accompanying symptoms. Burnout manifests

as persistent fatigue, emotional and physical exhaustion, insomnia, and so forth. One of the

primary signs of burnout syndrome is when an individual starts to view their work as "just a job."

Through working at Doylestown Hospital as a PCT, I witnessed and experienced these causes

and effects firsthand. As an outcome of this project, it would be amazing to implement strategies

to make healthcare workers jobs just a little bit easier. Fostering a supportive work environment

that values nurses' well-being through self-care practices, establishing work-life balance, and

implementing resources for stress management and resilience training are all important ways to

prevent nursing burnout. To effectively manage workloads, one needs collaborative cooperation,
good leadership, and sufficient workforce numbers. It's critical to acknowledge the contributions

made by nurses, to provide frequent feedback and expressions of gratitude, and to address the

structural problems that lead to burnout. Healthcare businesses may foster a culture that meets

the physical, emotional, and professional requirements of its nurses by putting these methods

into practice. This will improve job satisfaction, retention rates, and patient care quality which is

the main priority.

The Methods and Procedures

My duties as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) at Doylestown Hospital included a broad

range of tasks intended to guarantee patients' comfort, health, and safety in a medical

environment. I will list all of the particular responsibilities and activities carried out as part of

providing the PCT service at the hospital in this comprehensive explanation.

Provide direct patient care by helping patients groom by assisting them with duties related to

dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene so they can retain their comfort and dignity.

Supporting patients with mobility problems by helping them get in and out of bed, walking or

using mobility aids, and repositioning them to avoid bedsores is known as mobility assistance.

Taking proper comfort measures such as providing blankets, pillows, and other comfort items to

ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during their stay. Monitoring the vital signs of

patients on a regular basis, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate, in

order to keep track of their general health. monitoring patients' conditions closely and notifying

registered nurses or other healthcare team members as soon as something changes or causes

concern. Helping medical personnel during a range of operations, including wound care,

catheterization, and specimen collection, while making sure the patient is comfortable and safe.
Establishing and maintaining medical equipment, such as IV pumps, oxygen tanks, and heart

monitors, and making sure they are operating correctly to assist patient care are examples of

good equipment management. Maintaining complete patient records and promoting team

member communication requires accurate documentation of patient care activities, vital signs,

and observations in electronic medical records. Being the voice for patients' wants and

preferences are advocated for in order to provide support and advocacy. Serving as a contact

between patients and medical professionals to guarantee that the former's opinions are heard and

that the latter's choices are honored in their treatment plans.

Supporting patient mobility and transfers by helping patients safely get in and out of chairs, beds,

and other surfaces while employing the right lifting and transfer techniques to avoid accidents.

Offering patients who are feeling fear, pain, or distress reassurance, empathy, and active listening

in addition to delivering the necessary interventions to meet their emotional needs.

Responding to patient requests for help, medication, or information as soon as possible, making

sure their needs are satisfied in a timely and caring manner. Following infection control

procedures, infection control and safety are ensured by observing tight guidelines for hand

washing, using personal protection equipment (PPE), and cleaning the surroundings to prevent

the transmission of diseases and maintain the security of the medical setting. Recognizing a

medical emergency and being prepared to alert the medical staff by initiating the required

interventions in the event of a cardiac arrest or breathing difficulty. Participating in conferences,

workshops, and in-service training sessions to enhance skills and understanding of safety

protocols, patient treatment, and career advancement. Keeping up with developments in

evidence-based medicine, treatment methods, and medical technology in order to provide

patients with high-quality care. At Doylestown Hospital, performing the PCT service needed a
blend of technical proficiency, empathy, and a commitment to delivering outstanding

patient-centered care. All these tasks listed are quite simple, but hold the utmost importance.

When you see the tasks of repositioning, bathing, ambulation etc. it sounds like a no brainer.

Unfortunately, in the hospitals today, nurses are burnout to the point where they skip over the

task that only requires human deficiency. These patients lose their dignity when they cannot

walk, talk or bathe themselves, and it is the healthcare workers' jobs to restore it as much as

possible. Through my careful execution of these tasks, I was able to support the hospital's

objective of providing the community with caring and all-encompassing healthcare services.

Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) play a vital role in healthcare settings, providing direct care and

support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals.

The Literature Review

This survey of the literature attempts to investigate how the practice of conducting

service projects is informed by theories and concepts from many academic fields, as well as the

multidisciplinary nature of the PCT responsibilities. This review aims to provide a thorough

understanding of my academic experiences by guiding the work of PCTs and identify key

concepts that inform their service projects by synthesizing literature from nursing theory, human

anatomy and physiology, psychology, patient safety and quality improvement, and

interdisciplinary collaboration. Nursing theory, which emphasizes patient-centered care and

holistic methods, serves as the foundation for PCT practice. Through my education here at

Delaware State University, I have received the best of both worlds. Starting out as a nursing

major, the knowledge I acquired never left me. Now, as a Liberal studies major, I am tying in my

science abilities, with my interdisciplinary liberal studies views. The holistic nursing model
directs PCTs in delivering all-encompassing care that attends to patients' various needs by

acknowledging the dependence of one or more persons on physical, emotional, social, and

spiritual aspects of their health. The work of PCTs is heavily reliant on ideas like therapeutic

communication, cultural adaptation, and patient advocacy, which promote better health outcomes

by building patient trust and collaboration. PCTs must possess a thorough understanding of

human anatomy and physiology in order to treat patients with professionalism and compassion.

This is where the importance of starting as a nursing major came into play. A PCT's capacity to

carry out duties include monitoring vital signs, helping patients with everyday activities, and

identifying symptoms of distress in patients is influenced by their understanding of the anatomy

and physiology of the body. If one does not know the basics of a normal body function, being a

Patient Care Technician would be next to impossible. Concepts such as homeostasis, organ

systems, and disease pathology provide a framework for understanding patients' health status and

responding effectively to their needs. Psychological theories and concepts are relevant to the

practice of PCTs, particularly in providing emotional support and promoting patient well-being.

The main outlook of health emphasizes the influence of biological, psychological, and social

factors on health outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing patients' psychosocial

needs. This is also known as a biopsychosocial model. Homeostasis, organ systems, and disease

pathology are a few examples of concepts that offer a framework for comprehending patients'

conditions and efficiently meeting their requirements.

Analysis

PCT practice can benefit from the application of psychological ideas and concepts,

particularly in the areas of promoting patient well-being and providing emotional support. The
biopsychosocial model of health emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychosocial

needs of patients by highlighting the influence of social, psychological, and biological factors on

health outcomes. By applying ideas like empathy, active listening, and therapeutic

communication, PCTs can establish rapport with patients, help with coping, and enhance the

patient-provider relationship. Sometimes, when patients speak with their doctors or their nurse,

the relationship to “vent” could get lost in the sense that it is always strictly business. As the

Patient Care Technician, it was important to be there as a therapist, as well as extra help when

needed.

In order to provide safe, efficient, and patient-centered care, PCTs must prioritize patient

safety and quality improvement activities. A staple for carrying out quality improvement

initiatives targeted at improving patient care and outcomes is provided in the Doylestown

Hospital Orientation and handbook, mandatory for all new employees. This is in order to

maximize the delivery of patient care, PCTs are essential in recognizing possible threats to

patient safety, putting evidence-based procedures into practice, and taking part in quality

improvement programs. Along with programs, during your shifts at Doylestown Hospital,

workers are highly encouraged to carry their safety procedures on their badge, in order to always

know what to do in case of emergencies.

In healthcare settings, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to provide patients with

comprehensive and coordinated care. In order to address the various requirements of patients and

advance favorable health outcomes, PCTs collaborate with nurses, doctors, therapists, and other

healthcare team members. Ideas like shared decision-making, cooperation, and communication

promote efficient teamwork and help provide patient-centered care. In the hospital, it is crucial,

no matter your hirechal standing, to double check your work in all circumstances.
 Patient care technicians' (PCTs') interdisciplinary work emphasizes how crucial it is to

include ideas and theories from a range of academic fields into their service initiatives. Through

the incorporation of concepts from nursing theory, human anatomy and physiology, psychology,

patient safety and quality improvement, and interdisciplinary teamwork, PCTs can implement

their comprehension of the details involved in patient care and refine their approach to foster

favorable health consequences. PCTs can use a multidisciplinary approach to give high-quality,

patient-centered care in healthcare settings by utilizing multiple views and ideas.

This thorough analysis of the literature offers a detailed framework for comprehending

the function of PCTs and highlights important ideas that guide their implementation of service

projects. This review advances knowledge and informs practice in the area of patient care and

healthcare delivery by combining literature from relevant fields.

To analyze the service of a Patient Care Technician and the needs met by it, there was so

much learned throughout the experience. One of the most important things that was taken away

from the experience is the importance of loving what you do. When working underneath doctors,

nurses and other healthcare professionals, it is very clear when someone is not passionate in what

they do. As spoken about previously in this paper, a lot of healthcare professionals will skip over

the basic needs of patients just because they are too lazy to do so. There will be patients sitting in

their own feces, patients who have not gotten up for days, and patients who have not brushed

their teeth in weeks, just because no one is checking them. Fortunately, at Doylestown hospital,

there was documentation that had to get completed and approved in order to clock out. Having

this at the hospital, forced nurses to do things that they would normally skip over. With that

being said, a lot of professionals found loopholes to lie in on documentation which shows how
burned out these people really are. An improvement I would make to satisfy this issue of burnout

nurses is to inquire about secret evaluations. These evaluations would take place once a week by

a charge nurse without anyone knowing. It would be to ensure that proper patient care is being

met throughout the entire hospital. The reason for it to be secret is because when nurses are

watched by higher authority, they tend to put on their best work. I believe secret evaluations

would weed out a lot of healthcare professionals that clearly resemble the healthcare field not

being for them anymore. This would ensure quality patient care, and better care for the workers

as well. Nursing burnout in healthcare professional has time and time again lead to suicide in the

United States. It should not be taken lightly as it is a disease that must be addressed as soon as

possible. If 45 hours in the hospital is all it takes to witness, it is more serious than anyone

probably thought.

Conclusion

There is a lot to learn about the experience of working as a patient care technician at

Doylestown Hospital, to sum up. The initial service encounter was incredibly motivating. It was

thrilling from orientation to the end of the first month. It's impossible to adequately describe the

experience of saving a life. Regretfully, at the end of the second month, things had changed. It's

humble work in the healthcare industry, especially in the beginning. The atmosphere in the

medical field is really toxic unless you establish yourself. For a rookie PCT, making a mistake

meant the world was ending. There were nurses who were making fun of a young adult who is

still learning, gossiping, and exchanging cruel words. Not only that, but working in a hospital

requires a particular kind of discipline. In the event that you need to request a sick day, be ready

for the operator to manipulate you into feeling under pressure to report for duty. These are minor
incidents that grow significantly when they occur frequently. However, lessons learned from this

experience can be carried over into post-college life. In college, it's simple to get into a

comfortable bubble. Every man for himself out in the real world. The rocky roads in this

experience opened my eyes and gave me a lot of important lessons that I will carry with me into

my future undertakings. Despite the fact that employment has many drawbacks at the hospital,

there was an overall greater positive. This had an effect on my desire to become a compassionate

nurse. A nurse who is not only following protocol but is seeking the best possible care for the

patient they are attending to. Seeing all the burnout in the medical field fuels the desire to do

better than what was seen. Not only has the passion grown to become the best nurse, but also

grown into wanting to become an advocate for nurses going through burnout without even

knowing it. Working as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) has shown me how important it is to

communicate effectively, give patients complete care, and work across disciplinary lines to

improve their well-being. The experience has demonstrated the significance of cultural

competency, empathy, and compassion in providing patient-centered care. By encouraging an

empathic culture, stressing professional teamwork among healthcare providers, and advocating

for equitable access to high-quality healthcare services, the community can profit from the

principles learned from the PCT position. We can work to build communities that are healthier

(mentally and physically) , more supportive, and offer each individual comprehensive,

compassionate healthcare by upholding these ideals.

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