THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE TERM 'burnout' was coined back in 1976 to describe a complex of emotions, attitudes and physical symptoms that may arise from individuals who work in health care.
One may ask, what has 'burnout' got to do with ethics? However, it is well documented that 'burnout' limits the nurse's ability to provide good care. Also the ethics of care emphasise empathy, and the concerns and needs of others. The nurses' strong orientation towards the care of others can make them particularly susceptible to 'burnout'.
The acute nursing shortage results in nurses working long hours and a high nurse-patient ratio. This fuels the nurse 'burnout' syndrome. Fatigued nurses are more prone to make errors and are less apt in public relations.
Employers need to demonstrate that they are ethically obligated to their nurses. They should maintain an environment that promotes the nurses' well being. This is known to have a direct impact on the quality of patient care.
Caring for others without adequately attending to one's own needs is a formula for 'burnout'.
It is high time that the employing body for nurses turns a critical eye to the practices that may perpetuate nurse 'burnout'.
I am, etc.,
MARVA V.
LAWSON-BYFIELD
mvbyfield@hotmail.com
Montego Bay
