Working in healthcare as a nurse, whether in a hospital setting or other care facility, can be rewarding but stress and burnout are common. According to a May 2017 survey by Kronos Inc. of 257 RNs working in American hospitals, 98% reported that their work was physically and mentally demanding, and 63% reported that their work had caused nurse burnout.[1] Many (85%) noted that their jobs made them fatigued overall, and nearly half worried that patient care would suffer because of it.
Nurse fatigue and burnout are serious problems that can affect an individual’s mental and physical health, as well as job performance. Nurse fatigue may be caused by inadequate sleep, long shifts and overwork, and the physical demands of the job. Exhaustion and disengagement from others are red flags that can indicate burnout. For many nurses, the realization that it’s time to make a career change happens when they:
- Dread going to work and feel physically and emotionally drained from the job.
- Are concerned about patient safety or personal safety, perhaps due to inadequate staffing or management issues.
- Feel too rushed and overworked to make a difference in people’s lives.
- Crave a change of scenery, different job responsibilities, and other career options.
Becoming a care manager can be an excellent alternative for nurses who enjoy patient contact but are feeling burned out in a high-stress hospital environment. Care management offers nurses flexibility in their schedules, as well as the opportunity to use their clinical skills and gain different experiences in practice. Care managers coordinate all aspects of patient care and consequently, can get to know their clients well and see a positive impact in their lives. A second career in care management can be the perfect choice for a nurse who wants a fulfilling career, but work-life balance too.
Moreover, the aging of the Baby Boomers and the trend toward population health management has resulted in increased demand for nurse care managers. Demand is especially high in rural and underserved areas. The future is bright for care managers and it’s a win-win; early studies are showing that greater employment in the care management field is also leading to lower healthcare costs.[2]
As an objective third party, care managers can help families resolve conflict and issues concerning care for an aging loved one or a family member with disabilities. They are proactive problem-solvers and their work makes a difference. Sound interesting? Want to learn more? If interested please contact Brittany Fortmayer, HR Recruiter, by phone at 228-467-5900, or via e-mail at info@www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com. You can review our careers page on our web site at http://www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com/careers/
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[1] https://www.americanmobile.com/nursezone/nursing-news/new-survey-finds-high-rate-of-nurse-fatigue/
[2] http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20131221/MAGAZINE/312219933
