Burnout can happen to anyone who is experiencing a feeling of being physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted. When physicians experience burnout, quality of care can suffer, and serious results may occur. Some of the results of physician burnout include medical errors, malpractice, addiction and even suicide. At NexGen Surgical, we take physician burnout very seriously, and take a proactive role in preventing it from occurring.
Defining and Recognizing Physician Burnout
Burnout is a reaction to long-term stress that displays in a lack of efficacy, depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. It creates a loss of enthusiasm for work and can also involve feelings of cynicism and a reduced sense of accomplishment. Common signs of physician burnout include a loss of motivation, withdrawal from responsibilities, detachment from colleagues and procrastination. Physicians suffering from burnout may also miss entire shifts, arrive late to work or leave shifts prematurely. At NexGen, we are vigilant in watching for signs of physician burnout, and we pride ourselves in taking swift action to redress them.
Risks and Implications of Physician Burnout
Beyond posing a patient safety risk, physician burnout has other potentialities and implications; indeed, it can spread like wildfire throughout the entire perioperative suite. Since surgeons are leaders of the operating room, their energy tends to be mirrored by those present. Given the current shortage of nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers, a plague of resignations can cripple a surgical department. Burnout can also pose health risks to the physician, such as lowered immunity, headaches, muscle aches, reduced appetite and stress-related diseases. Mitigating the risks of physician burnout is key, as symptoms will worsen if burnout is left unchecked.
Is It Possible to Eliminate Causes of Physician Burnout?
The pressure our healthcare system is under is unprecedented. Combine an aging population with the global COVID-19 pandemic and it is easy to see how physician burnout happens. Long days and nights, sick patients and increasingly complex administrative duties are a recipe for relentless stress. However, we reject the assumption that physician burnout is an unavoidable side effect of the current demands of physicians. Rethinking how physicians deliver care is our priority.
We take on the administrative burdens typically required of surgeons, such as staffing, recruiting, billing, payroll, enrollment, payor negotiations and collections. This allows our surgeons to focus more clearly on delivering outstanding patient care and then enjoy spending time away from work on activities they love rather than wading through paperwork. Since our scheduling allows physicians to work two weeks out of the month and does not require them to take call during time off, they can enjoy a greater work/life balance and live wherever they please. Additionally, since our physicians provide surgical services to underserved, rural communities, they experience a rewarding sense of efficacy and the satisfaction of knowing their work makes a difference. These opportunities are built around each of our surgeons’ desires, goals, and requirements, ensuring job satisfaction and reducing burnout risks.
Joining NexGen Surgical
NexGen Surgical is deeply committed to supporting our surgeons and their personal and professional goals. We know our surgeons are our greatest assets, which is why we strive to provide each and every surgeon with the exemplary service they deserve. If you are interested in joining our team, apply now. Our recruiters will schedule a call with you to discuss your background, experience and lifestyle goals. If you are an experienced surgeon, regardless of specialty, you may be an excellent fit for the exciting lifestyle at NexGen Surgical.
