Causes and Impacts of Burnout among Emergency Nurses in Australia (Essay Sample)

Independent study- Proposal
Causes and Impacts of Burnout among Emergency Nurses in Australia
Introduction
Burnout among emergency nurses is a major problem that can have negative impacts on the delivery of healthcare services (Lu, 2013: pp 67). Burnout has led to some nurses leaving the profession while others have developed mental and physical problems (Li, 2013: pp 284). This proposal outlines the steps to be taken in the development of a literature review and manuscript for potential publication in relation to the causes and impacts of burnout among Emergency Department nurses in Australia.
Discussion
Methodology
A qualitative method of data collection will be used in the preparation of the literature review. This involves obtaining theoretical information about a topic (Creswell, 2013: pp 12). Most of the information will also be collected through the use of secondary means. The secondary method of data collection involves the use of existing materials such as books and journals. PubMed medical database will be used during the data collection. The keywords during the search will include burnout among nurses, effects of burnout, remedy for burnout and statistics of burn out among nurses in Australia. High levels of ethics will be observed during the data collection process. Ethics is important during the research for the purposes of accuracy and credibility. The authors whose material will be used will be acknowledged through referencing in order to maintain ethics during the research.
Background
Burnout is considered a unique type of stress syndrome that is characterized by emotional exhaustion (Li, et al, 2013: pp 288). The level of burnout in the nursing profession is usually high as compared to other professions. Nurses are usually required to work long hours without taking many breaks or rests (Rudman & Gustavsson, 2011: 294). In most cases, the nurses are involved in trying to save lives and responding to emergencies throughout the day and hence leaving no room for rest (Lu, 2013: pp 71). The nurses in most Emergency Departments (ED) have to continue working long after their shifts have ended (Hayes, et al, 2015: pp 11). Decisions have to be made fast by the nurses when responding to emergencies. The high level of burnout among nurses has negative impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing. Some nurses have ended up developing mental problems as a result of the burnout and hence affecting their careers. Others have left the profession in favour of other professions with better conditions (Rudman & Gustavsson, 2011: pp 301). The high level of burnout has also contributed to low morale among nurses which has ultimately affected their performance (Sprinks, 2015: pp 17). The high levels of burnout have also impacted upon the interaction between the nurses and their patients negatively. In some incidences the nurses verbally abuse the patients and also failed to provide them with adequate information regarding their conditions (Rudman & Gustavsson, 2011: pp 295).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that the ...