Physicians enter the medical world ready and willing to help patients live longer, healthier lives. But somewhere along the way, the hustle and bustle of a healthcare career may be draining without regular breaks to decompress. When healthcare workers get burned out, they no longer find joy in their careers and this can decrease the quality of care they are able to provide to patients. That’s why it’s important to step in when you spot signs of burnout in your medical team—and take actions to reverse it. Here’s what you should look for, and what you can do to help.
Spotting medical workers on the verge of job burnout
It can be easy to identify a worker whose energy is running thin when you know what to look for. This includes:
- Frequently arriving late to work, or leaving right on time or early.
- Being short or on-edge with co-workers.
- Showing physical signs of exhaustion.
- Reluctance to take on new and different tasks.
- A lack of input at team meetings.
- A negative attitude, or visible depression or anxiety.
What you can do to refresh and invigorate your medical team
To help your healthcare workers stay on top of their game, consider the following:
- Hold daily team “huddles” to problem solve. This way, your staff can bring up any issues they may need help with or concerns they have. You can work together to solve things as a team, where everyone supports each other. This can help to spread out your caseload more evenly. Your huddle should last no more than 10 minutes so your staff can get on with their busy day.
- Provide support for help with external issues. If your staff members are getting dragged down with concerns outside of the facility, offer optional monthly seminars or lunch-and-learns they can attend during their lunch break. Choose topics such as financial planning, good nutrition, physical fitness, etc.
- Ask your workers how they’re doing. Simply reach out to your workers on a regular basis to get to know them better. If they need help, offer your suggestions, if appropriate. Just knowing that you are looking out for them can do a lot to help improve their attitude and productivity.
- Demand they take their breaks, days off and PTO. Everyone needs to step away every once in a while. Your employees should not work through their 10-minute or lunch breaks, and they should take their scheduled days off each week. The human mind and body need a chance to rejuvenate themselves, and this can’t happen when workers are punching the clock too frequently.
Looking for medical staff?
If you’re in the market to supplement your medical staff, KTE Services can help. We’re a medical staffing agency that places anesthesiologists, pain management specialists, CRNAs, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with positions across the country. To learn more, just contact KTE Services today.
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