Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

fa زمانی که مراقبان نیاز به مراقبت دارند: چالش‌های پنهان پرستاران در محیط کار When Caregivers Need Care: The Hidden Challenges of Nurses in the Workplace پرستاری Nursing نامه به سردبیر Editorial پرستاران به عنوان یکی از ارکان اصلی نظام سلامت، همواره در خط مقدم ارائه خدمات درمانی قرار داشته‌اند. با این حال، مطالعات اخیر نشان می‌دهد که این گروه حرفه‌ای با چالش‌های جدی در زمینه سلامت روان و رضایت شغلی مواجه هستند که عمدتاً ناشی از شکست‌های ساختاری و سیستمی در محیط‌های کاری است. بر اساس بررسی‌های انجام‌شده طی همه‌گیری کووید-۱۹، شیوع فرسودگی شغلی در میان پرستاران بسیار بالا گزارش شده است؛ به طوری که 34/1 درصد از پرستاران، خستگی عاطفی و 12/6 درصد، بی‌هویتی حرفه‌ای را تجربه کرده‌اند. این آمار نه تنها نشان‌دهنده بحران موقتی، بلکه بازتابی از نارسایی‌های مزمن در نظام سلامت است.   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. فرسودگی شغلی؛ سلامت روان پرستاران؛ کمبود نیرو؛ خشونت شغلی؛ حمایت سازمانی؛ ایمنی بیمار؛ نظام سلامت Burnout, Nurse Mental Health, Staff Shortage, Workplace Violence, Organizational Support, Patient Safety, Healthcare System 229 231 http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-7900-1&slc_lang=fa&sid=1 Mir Amirhossein Seyednazari میرامیرحسین سیدنظری amirhosseinseyednazari@gmail.com 4600319475328460091216 0009-0008-4637-0521 No Research and Technology Committee, Khoy School of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran کمیته تحقیقات و فناوری دانشجویی، دانشکده علوم پزشکی خوی، خوی، ایران Amir Mohammad Dorosti امیرمحمد درستی amirdorosti2006@gmail.com 4600319475328460091217 4600319475328460091217 Yes Research and Technology Committee, Khoy School of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran کمیته تحقیقات و فناوری دانشجویی، دانشکده علوم پزشکی خوی، خوی، ایران