Burn Out's Impact on Perioperative Nursing

Burnout in Perioperative Nursing: Key Takeaways from the Video

This conversation between Jake Runion, sr. manager of AORN’s Center for Perioperative Leadership and Tammy Hanks, Perioperative Practice Specialist at AORN, highlights the critical issue of burnout among perioperative nurses. Here are the key takeaways:

High Burnout Rates: The vacancy rate for OR nurses is at 16%, with a significant portion leaving within their first year. This is causing delays and cancellations in surgeries.

Factors Contributing to Burnout:

• Unpredictable Schedules: OR nurses often have fluctuating schedules, making it difficult to plan personal lives.
• Lack of Staffing: Understaffing creates a heavy workload and pressure on existing nurses.
• Stressful Work Environment: The fast-paced and demanding nature of the OR can contribute to stress.
• Poor Onboarding: Inadequate mentorship and training for new nurses can lead to feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm.

Solutions for Reducing Burnout:

• Flexible Scheduling: Facilities should explore options for flexible schedules to accommodate work-life balance for nurses.
• Creative Staffing Solutions: This could involve utilizing retired nurses for specific tasks, or collaborating with nursing schools to develop strong perioperative pipelines.
• Strong Preceptor Programs: Invest in training preceptors on how to effectively guide and support new nurses.
• Leadership that Listens: Nurse leaders need to actively listen to staff concerns and involve them in finding solutions to staffing challenges.
• Opportunities for Growth: Providing opportunities for professional development can help nurses feel valued and engaged in their careers.

Long-Term Impact: The current trends of burnout and high turnover rates can discourage new nurses from entering the perioperative field, potentially creating a nursing shortage in the future.

Periop Talk: https://www.aorn.org/about-aorn/aorn-newsroom/periop-talk 

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Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

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