The CARE heuristic for addressing burnout in nurses

Abstract

This paper provides a heuristic for addressing the pressing problem of burnout in nurses.  Following a literature review about the causes and symptoms of burnout, a case will be made that the problem is best addressed from a variety of perspectives using different modalities.  These are summarized under the different headings of Compassion, Awareness, Resilient Responding and Empowerment which together from the CARE heuristic.  An explanation and justification for each of these different approaches is provided, along with practical exercises that nurses might practice in order to build capacity in each of these domains and protect themselves against or treat existing symptoms of burnout.