Burnout hits 70 per cent in this industry after the pandemic

Staff have spoken of being “shattered” and are angry about their treatment as “second class citizens” in a profession that is already short staffed.

More than two-thirds of Aussie nurses are experiencing “burnout”, with some revealing they had taken no time off in the past two years, prompting fears there will be a “mass exodus” from the crucial profession.

The survey of 1000 nurses also found that more than a quarter are dealing with mental illness or distress, according to a report released by the Health Professionals Bank and Australian College of Nursing.

Severe understaffing, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic, has led to nurses feeling incredibly overworked and taken any enjoyment from the job, the report showed.

Many complained that their concerns were not heard and said there had been little time between different crises to deal with the fallout as Australia has been plagued by drought, bushfires and Covid-19.

‘We are beyond burnt out. I am fried to a crisp, totally shattered. I am so exhausted. I am so angry at being told I need to be resilient. We support our community but who supports us?” one nurse said.

Aussie nurses are exhausted Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

“Management and leaders were aware of the increase in workload and increase in burnout,

but no strategies were implemented,” said another nurse. “Failure to acknowledge and act is the biggest concern.”

Shockingly nurses also reported “toxic” criticism and an increase in abuse as they deal with “aggressive” families and even people spitting on them in public.

“Criticism has been toxic and not supportive of nursing staff who are fatigued, poorly paid and most at risk,” one nurse begged.

Nurses also reported experiencing abuse. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

Hayley Chandler, 26, has left the industry to study law and predicts the nursing profession is about to experience a “mass exodus”.

“When you’re trying to do your best and you’re not met with manners or you are spoken to like a second-class citizen, it can be very demotivating to continue to come to work like that,” she told The Australian.

She’s not alone with her feelings about the profession. Thousands of nurses joined industrial action in February, protesting at NSW parliament about stagnant pay and staffing shortfalls.

NSW public hospital nurses participate in a strike over staff shortages and pandemic-related stresses and strains in Sydney on February 15, 2022. Picture: Steven Saphore/AFP

The report called for a number of reforms to be made including offering additional paid leave to nurses who have experienced disruptive events, such as bushfires, storm damage and floods, as well as paid leave for domestic and family violence support.

It also recommended bringing nurse pay in line with other risk-exposed first responders, such as police, paramedics and military.

Kylie Ward, CEO of the Australian College of Nursing said Australia’s nurses have been the backbone of the frontline in recent years.

“They’re highly trained and experienced in providing leadership during disasters. We’re asking all governments to recognise their dedication and experience,” she said.