Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2025, 28(4): 229-231 |
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Seyednazari M A, Dorosti A M. When Caregivers Need Care: The Hidden Challenges of Nurses in the Workplace. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2025; 28 (4) :229-231
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8040-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8040-en.html
1- Research and Technology Committee, Khoy School of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
2- Research and Technology Committee, Khoy School of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran ,amirdorosti2006@gmail.com
2- Research and Technology Committee, Khoy School of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran ,
Abstract: (437 Views)
Nurses, as one of the main pillars of the healthcare system, have always been at the forefront of delivering medical services. However, recent studies reveal that this professional group is facing serious challenges in terms of mental health and job satisfaction, largely due to structural and systemic failures in the workplace (1). Data from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the severity of this issue, revealing high rates of burnout among nurses. 34.1% experienced emotional exhaustion, and 12.6% reported a loss of professional identity. These figures reflect not only a transient crisis but also chronic deficiencies within the healthcare system (2).
Key factors exacerbating nurse burnout include workforce shortages, inadequate resources, and workplace violence
(3, 4). The global shortage of nurses is estimated at around 5.9 million, placing excessive pressure on the remaining staff. Additionally, lack of resources and specialized training, particularly during crises, significantly contribute to burnout risk. Workplace violence, particularly in emergency departments and psychiatric units, is on the rise, and many reports suggest that the actual number of incidents is much higher than what is officially recorded (2, 5).
The consequences of these conditions extend beyond individual nurse wellbeing, directly compromising patient care quality and safety. Meta-analyses have shown significant associations between nurse burnout and reduced patient safety, increased hospital-acquired infections, and medication errors (5). Furthermore, only 50% of nurses in 2021 felt that their organizations prioritized their health and safety (1).
The mental health crisis among nurses is also alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia are considerably higher in this group compared to other professions. Predictive factors include understaffing, excessive workload, workplace violence, and lack of organizational support. In addition, the stigma surrounding mental health services acts as a major barrier for nurses seeking professional help (6).
Effective solutions include adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios, banning mandatory overtime, enforcing zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, and strengthening managerial support. For example, California’s implementation of minimum nurse-to-patient ratio laws has led to increased direct care time, better patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention. Emphasis must shift from merely increasing nurse numbers to retaining the current workforce—a crucial step in healthcare reform.
In conclusion, considering the critical importance of nurse wellbeing and its direct impact on patient care, structural and supportive reforms must be prioritized by health policymakers and administrators.
Key factors exacerbating nurse burnout include workforce shortages, inadequate resources, and workplace violence
(3, 4). The global shortage of nurses is estimated at around 5.9 million, placing excessive pressure on the remaining staff. Additionally, lack of resources and specialized training, particularly during crises, significantly contribute to burnout risk. Workplace violence, particularly in emergency departments and psychiatric units, is on the rise, and many reports suggest that the actual number of incidents is much higher than what is officially recorded (2, 5).
The consequences of these conditions extend beyond individual nurse wellbeing, directly compromising patient care quality and safety. Meta-analyses have shown significant associations between nurse burnout and reduced patient safety, increased hospital-acquired infections, and medication errors (5). Furthermore, only 50% of nurses in 2021 felt that their organizations prioritized their health and safety (1).
The mental health crisis among nurses is also alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia are considerably higher in this group compared to other professions. Predictive factors include understaffing, excessive workload, workplace violence, and lack of organizational support. In addition, the stigma surrounding mental health services acts as a major barrier for nurses seeking professional help (6).
Effective solutions include adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios, banning mandatory overtime, enforcing zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, and strengthening managerial support. For example, California’s implementation of minimum nurse-to-patient ratio laws has led to increased direct care time, better patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention. Emphasis must shift from merely increasing nurse numbers to retaining the current workforce—a crucial step in healthcare reform.
In conclusion, considering the critical importance of nurse wellbeing and its direct impact on patient care, structural and supportive reforms must be prioritized by health policymakers and administrators.
Keywords: Burnout, Nurse Mental Health, Staff Shortage, Workplace Violence, Organizational Support, Patient Safety, Healthcare System
References
1. Wells SK. The Impact of Nurses’ Work Environment on Mental Health and Suicide. Critical Care Nurse. 2024;44(3):6-8. pmid: 38821524 doi: 10.4037/ccn2024726.
2. Galanis P, Vraka I, Fragkou D, Bilali A, Kaitelidou D. Nurses' burnout and associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2021;77(8):3286-302. pmid: 33764561 doi: 10.1111/jan.14839
3. Jones CB, Sousane Z, Mossburg S. Addressing workplace violence and creating a safer workplace. Addressing Workplace Violence and Creating a Safer Workplace. 2023.
4. Wang S, Luo G, Ding X, Ma X, Yang F, Zhang M, et al. Factors associated with burnout among frontline nurses in the post-COVID-19 epidemic era: a multicenter cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):688. pmid: 38438971 doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18223-4
5. Li LZ, Yang P, Singer SJ, Pfeffer J, Mathur MB, Shanafelt T. Nurse burnout and patient safety, satisfaction, and quality of care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2443059. pmid: 39499515 doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.43059
6. State of the world’s nursing 2025: investing in education, jobs, leadership and service delivery. World Health Organization; 2025.
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