Individualized connection, support ease nurse burnout

Editor's Note

Drawing on survey data and leadership insights, a June 16 article in Staffing Industry Analysts showcases how personalized attention from managers and thoughtfully deployed technologies can improve nurse engagement, mitigate stress, and strengthen retention amid widespread burnout.

Advising leaders to treat nurses “as an ‘I,’ not an ‘it,’” the article cites findings from the May 2024 HIMSS report Preventing Clinician Burnout, which surveyed 100 clinical leaders and clinicians. Among respondents, 68% said their efforts were not adequately recognized or appreciated. Two-thirds reported feeling emotionally drained or physically exhausted, and 64% said they had grown more cynical about the value and impact of their work.

Despite these challenges, 43% of respondents experiencing high or extreme burnout had reached out to peers, managers, or coaches for support. According to the article, such findings point to the importance of relational connection and one-on-one communication in reducing emotional fatigue. Nurse leaders who focus on individualized relationships—rather than transactional oversight—can play a key role in fostering more resilient teams.

The article cites three technology-enabled approaches from the HIMSS survey as potentially effective in addressing burnout. The first is offering a forum for nurses to suggest workflow improvements can help create a sense of agency. Half of surveyed nurses said they sought innovative ways to simplify or adjust workflows when feeling stressed, and acting on those ideas can reduce detachment.

The second involves platforms that allow providing timely, individualized coaching and feedback. As detailed in the article, such platforms can reinforce clinical excellence and promote a sense of recognition and support.

The third is the use of professional development as a protective factor against burnout. As detailed in the article, 47% of nurses reported engaging in ongoing learning to stay motivated and maintain professional interest. Providing on-demand access to educational resources through staffing platforms enables nurses to pursue skills or areas of interest that align with their goals.

Flexible scheduling, enabled by staffing technologies, is also presented as an important factor in burnout reduction. Allowing nurses to select shifts based on their personal and educational needs can support work-life balance and increase job satisfaction.

The full report offers additional detail and context, including personal testimony from nurses.