Healthcare professionals in Alberta are dedicated to providing quality care to patients, often working long hours in high-stress environments. But what happens when the job demands exceed an individual’s ability to cope? Burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion is a growing crisis in Canadian healthcare, with significant consequences for both providers and patients.

Understanding Burnout in Healthcare

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed (World Health Organization, 2019). The key components of burnout include:

Emotional exhaustion – Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from work-related stress.
Depersonalization – Developing a sense of detachment or cynicism toward patients and colleagues.
Reduced personal accomplishment – A decline in self-efficacy and professional confidence.

According to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), over 50% of physicians in Canada report symptoms of burnout, with similar rates among nurses and other healthcare professionals (Canadian Medical Association, 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, but even as the immediate crisis wanes, the long-term effects of burnout continue to affect Alberta’s healthcare workforce.

Signs of Burnout You Shouldn’t Ignore

Healthcare professionals often push through stress, but ignoring burnout symptoms can lead to serious consequences. Here are some key warning signs:

1. Chronic Fatigue and Insomnia

Are you constantly exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Chronic fatigue is a hallmark of burnout, often accompanied by difficulty falling or staying asleep due to work-related stress (Shanafelt et al., 2019).

2. Increased Irritability or Cynicism

A shift in attitude—feeling disengaged, resentful, or emotionally detached from patients—can be an early indicator of burnout. This often manifests as frustration, negativity, or even apathy toward work (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).

3. Frequent Illness or Physical Symptoms

Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, leading to an increase in colds, headaches, digestive issues, and other physical ailments. Unmanaged burnout has also been linked to hypertension, heart disease, and chronic pain (West et al., 2018).

4. Decline in Work Performance

Struggling to concentrate, making more mistakes, or feeling less competent in your role? A loss of confidence and effectiveness at work is a red flag (Dyrbye et al., 2017).

5. Withdrawal from Colleagues and Loved Ones

Burnout can cause social withdrawal, leading healthcare professionals to isolate themselves from coworkers, friends, and family. If you find yourself avoiding interactions or feeling emotionally numb, take it seriously (Bakker & de Vries, 2021).

6. Loss of Passion and Joy in Work

Many enter healthcare with a strong sense of purpose, but burnout can erode that motivation. If you no longer feel fulfillment or purpose in your role, it may be time to assess your well-being (Shanafelt et al., 2019).

The Impact of Burnout on Healthcare

Burnout doesn’t just affect the individual, it impacts patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. Studies have shown that burnout contributes to:

Increased medical errors and reduced patient safety (West et al., 2018).
Higher rates of absenteeism and staff turnover (Dyrbye et al., 2017).
Lower patient satisfaction (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).
Greater risk of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders (Bakker & de Vries, 2021).

Alberta’s healthcare system is already facing workforce shortages, making it critical to address burnout before it leads to further staff attrition.

How to Prevent and Address Burnout

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a colleague, proactive steps can help mitigate burnout:

Set Boundaries: Advocate for manageable workloads and take breaks when needed.
Seek Support: Reach out to peers, supervisors, or mental health professionals for guidance.
Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness practices can build resilience.
Utilize Workplace Resources: Many Alberta healthcare institutions offer employee wellness programs, mental health support, and peer support networks.
Explore Career Adaptations: If burnout is persistent, consider role adjustments, further education, or career coaching to align your work with your well-being.

Burnout is a serious issue in Alberta’s healthcare sector, but recognizing the signs early and taking action can make a difference. By prioritizing well-being, both individually and collectively, we can create a more sustainable healthcare workforce.

If you or someone you know is struggling, resources such as the Alberta Medical Association’s Physician and Family Support Program or the Canadian Mental Health Association’s workplace mental health initiatives can offer support.

Your health matters. Take care of yourself, just as you take care of others.

Thea McDougall MCEd, BHSc, CCWS Learning Specialist- Vital Narratives

Vital Narratives is dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals through innovative learning solutions, wellness education, and evidence-based strategies to foster resilience and professional fulfillment.

References

Bakker, A. B., & de Vries, J. D. (2021). Burnout and work engagement: The JD-R approach. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 8(1), 389-417. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-091356

Canadian Medical Association. (2021). 2021 National Physician Health Survey: A call to action. https://www.cma.ca/

Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Cipriano, P. F., Bhatt, J., Ommaya, A., West, C. P., & Meyers, D. (2017). Burnout among healthcare professionals: A call to explore and address this underrecognized threat to safe, high-quality care. NAM Perspectives, 7(7), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.31478/201707b

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout: The cost of caring. Malor Books.

Shanafelt, T. D., Hasan, O., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C., Satele, D., Sloan, J., & West, C. P. (2019). Changes in burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance in physicians and the general US working population between 2011 and 2017. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(9), 1681-1694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.10.023

West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2018). Physician burnout: Contributors, consequences, and solutions. Journal of Internal Medicine, 283(6), 516-529. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12752

What Burnout Looks Like in Healthcare: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore