Healthcare Workers Around the Globe Face Increased Stress and Burnout
The Need for a Response from Healthcare Organizations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59319/arete.v2i1.822Keywords:
stress, burnout, healthcare workers, pandemic, globalAbstract
Background: Estimates are that the world will face a nursing shortage of 13 million nurses by 2030. Stress, burnout, and the recent global pandemic have worsened a growing crisis of physical and psychological strain among healthcare workers worldwide. Current research has not identified organizational or verified self-care interventions to improve this situation long term; however, healthcare leaders and organizations are urged to provide individualized resources to support healthcare workers across the globe while more rigorous studies are developed and implemented. Objectives: Previous studies have reported some benefits of stress reduction with the use of relaxation spaces, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, Tai Chi, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, as well as other interventions when individualized to match the unique healthcare worker and the severity of their symptoms. Approach: The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety in the United States and the World Health Organization have developed resources and guidelines for healthcare organizations to utilize while awaiting further research. Conclusion: This perspective essay aims to increase awareness of the current crisis and promote future research studies and funding for appropriate interventions to support the healthcare workforce globally.
Author Biographies
Crystal White, DNP, FNP-C, RN, Director of Graduate Nursing and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Dr. Crystal White, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, RN is the Director of Graduate Nursing and an Assistant Professor for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She came to SMWC in 2021 after having served as a family nurse practitioner and primary care provider for nearly 10 years and as a registered nurse for 30 years. While she continues to provide primary care services a few days per month, most of her time is now devoted to providing student-centered, excellent classroom experiences for her MSN-FNP students, and providing servant leadership for her department.
Dr. White earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2020 from Frontier Nursing University where she completed her scholarly doctoral project on stress management and decreasing burnout in healthcare providers. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2012 from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is board-certified as a family nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is the President of Omega Pi, the SMWC Chapter of STTI (the International Honor Society for Nursing) and serves on various college committees including the Reimagine Wellness Committee.
Dr. White most enjoys adventures with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She has also served as a short-term missionary in Cuba, China, Mongolia, Ghana in West Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Jessica Myers, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP, RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Myers, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is a dedicated Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Nursing, Saint Mary of the Woods College. With a rich educational background and a wide array of clinical experience, she is a distinguished healthcare professional. Dr. Myers earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Purdue Global University and holds two post-master's certifications, one in Family Nurse Practitioner from Indiana State University and another in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University.
Throughout her career, Dr. Myers has demonstrated her versatility by contributing to various facets of clinical nursing practice. Her extensive experience spans pulmonology, sleep medicine, narcolepsy, nephrology, and pain medicine. Her doctoral research focused on "Early Screening for Lung Cancer: A Practice Change in Primary Care," emphasizing her dedication to improving patient care and outcomes.
Dr. Myers achieved double board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds her greatest joy in her role as a mother to three children.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Crystal White, DNP, FNP-C, RN, Director of Graduate Nursing and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Jessica Myers, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP, RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing
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