The NP field is one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare today. Yet, it’s not without its pressures. In a 2023 study from Medscape, 70% of NPs reported experiencing either burnout or depression—some experienced both. Many of the respondents agreed that they were being overworked and sometimes even had suicidal thoughts. Out of those who were burned out, 42% had been feeling that way for at least one year.
With these struggles being so common in the field, it is more important than ever for NPs to understand how prolonged burnout can affect their practice and their patients.
Decision Fatigue and Medical Errors
NPs are making hundreds of decisions each day. Whether they are diagnosing conditions or adjusting treatment plans, the amount of action that needs to be taken can be overwhelming, and burnout can easily fester. The initial response to burnout may be to push through it, but doing so for a prolonged period of time can lead to medical errors.
Those experiencing fatigue due to burnout may risk overlooking subtle symptoms that could inadvertently lead to delayed diagnoses. They may also unintentionally rely on mental shortcuts instead of thorough assessments, especially when managing particularly heavy workloads. Selecting the incorrect medication and dosage is also a possible risk.
To prevent medical errors due to fatigue, NPs can try looking into AI systems that can streamline administrative tasks and minimize errors. They can also prioritize mindfulness exercises and break schedules between patients to ensure they are managing fatigue and providing themselves with adequate levels of self-care.
Reduced Patient Engagement and Communication
While medical expertise is a cornerstone of healthcare, NPs must also practice empathy and active listening to build trust with patients. However, burnout can lead to emotional exhaustion, which then makes connecting with patients increasingly difficult.
NPs who seem to be emotionally disengaged may end up appearing to lack compassion for patients. Those patients can then feel as if their concerns are being dismissed, which can damage their trust in both the NP’s practice and the healthcare system.
In these situations, burnout can also affect how treatment plans are explained and implemented. Patients may not receive the full information needed and can leave the appointment feeling confused and unsure about their next steps.
To ensure patients have a positive experience despite the presence of burnout, NPs can focus on active listening techniques that can help patients feel heard. These can be as simple as maintaining eye contact and repeating key points to confirm understanding. Using patient-centered language can also help patients comprehend any treatment plans and updates.
Delayed or Inconsistent Follow-Ups
Follow-up appointments are common for any treatment plan, especially for patients with chronic conditions. However, these can be delayed as a result of burnout among NPs.
NPs experiencing burnout tend to have overloaded schedules, which can lead to difficulties in keeping track of upcoming follow-ups.
Mitigating any delays is essential, and one tool NPs can try is automated appointment reminders in their electronic health record (EHR) systems. Follow-up responsibilities can also be delegated to other staff members, offering more breathing room in the NP’s schedule.
To further ensure follow-ups are performed efficiently, practices can implement standardized follow-up protocols based on condition severity.
Ensuring Better Care
Ultimately, addressing burnout isn’t just about protecting providers—it’s about ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. By prioritizing workplace wellness and improved workflows, NPs can maintain both their well-being and the quality of care they provide.
