The Social Ecology of Burnout: A framework for research on nurse practitioner burnout

The U.S. health system is burdened by rising costs, workforce shortages, and unremitting burnout. Well-being interventions have emerged in response, yet data suggest that the work environment is the problem. Nurse practitioner (NP) burnout is associated with structural and relational factors in the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nursing outlook 2024-07, Vol.72 (4), p.102188, Article 102188
Main Authors: de Lisser, Rosalind, Lauderdale, Jana, Dietrich, Mary S., Ramanujam, Rangaraj, Stolldorf, Deonni P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Empowerment
Hierarchy
Nurse practitioner workforce
Professional burnout
Psychological safety
Social Ecology of Burnout
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Summary:The U.S. health system is burdened by rising costs, workforce shortages, and unremitting burnout. Well-being interventions have emerged in response, yet data suggest that the work environment is the problem. Nurse practitioner (NP) burnout is associated with structural and relational factors in the work environment, practice autonomy, and hierarchical leadership. We explore the unique social, cultural, and political environment in which NPs work through the lens of social ecology and present the Social Ecology of Burnout (SEB) framework. We review current burnout frameworks in the context of the NP practice environment and discuss the SEB, specifically exploring psychological safety and its influence on burnout. Psychological safety, work environment, and policy are presented within the SEB and solutions which empower NPs are considered. Our framework can serve as a guide for future nursing research, practice, and policy. •Social Ecology of Burnout is a framework to understand and address NP burnout.•Relational and structural factors associated with NP burnout are presented.•Hierarchical structures in healthcare can empower toward well-being or oppress toward burnout.•Policies that promote NP autonomy, agency, and psychological safety are discussed.
ISSN:0029-6554
1528-3968
1528-3968
DOI:10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102188