“What factors influence and buffer burnout?” Bonsall inquires. “There are many system issues that need to be fixed,” Melnyk says, “For instance, my work has consistently shown over the years that longer shift work results in poor mental health outcomes and more medical errors. Problems with the electronic health record culture are also not supportive.”
Melnyk notes that, “Nurses with strong resiliency skills and supportive work environments do much better than those without.” However she adds, "Nurses are tired of hearing this.” She emphasizes that, “It’s not going to help that much unless system issues are fixed.”
Strategies to address nursing burnout and mental health
Shifting the discussion, Bonsall asks, “How can we be aware of our own level of burnout?” noting that nurses often don’t prioritize self-care. “There’s still an awful stigma around mental health in our profession,” Melnyk responds. “I want people to hear today that it is a strength to recognize when we are burned out, depressed, anxious, and need help.”
Pointing to higher suicide rates than that of the general public, she urges other nurses to recognize when a fellow nurse is struggling. “I encourage everyone just to ask four words. ‘Are you okay today?’” She explains that this often opens up a window of opportunity for people to disclose how they feel, helping to diffuse negative feelings in the moment.
“What strategies can be used to prevent burnout and mental health problems?” Bonsall probes. Melnyk stresses that the industry must take deliberate steps to integrate evidence-based wellness programs, particularly in nursing curricula, before nursing students enter the workforce. She emphasizes, “We’ll continue to produce a generation of nurses who are going to burn out or have mental health issues” if programs that promote a wellness culture are not put in place.
To this point, Melnyk adds that building a culture of wellness includes “healthy behaviors where seeking mental health is the norm,” something she has worked to instill at Ohio State in her role as Chief Wellness Officer. Measuring the results is also important to identify areas for improvement.
Watch the full video interview with Bernadette Melnyk and explore solutions from Lippincott to support evidence-based wellness programs in nursing education.
