What are some signs of burnout and how do you prevent it in your team?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic stress, especially in high-demand or helping professions. It can affect your performance, health, and well-being, as well as your team's morale and productivity. In this article, you will learn some common signs of burnout and how to prevent it in your team using critical incident stress management (CISM) techniques.

1 What is CISM?

CISM is a comprehensive and integrated approach to help people cope with traumatic events and reduce the risk of long-term psychological harm. It involves a range of interventions, such as pre-incident education, debriefing, defusing, peer support, and referral to professional services. CISM aims to enhance resilience, recovery, and adaptation among individuals and groups exposed to critical incidents.

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Christine Jaksy

Chaplain, Artist, Grief Specialist
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In early chaplain training I took CISM courses which helped. When able to apply them in my FT home Hospice job or in my PRN Hospital job, I finally understand CISM’s concept. Each CI was very individual, requiring it’s own set of tailored responses. For Ex., I was never taught in Seminary Masters program or in my 1,600 hr residency, how to respond to a 4yr old girl in the ER, who’s young fathers heart stopped while playing b-ball, if she could take an airplane to go see him. I’ll never forget the look of innocent yet pleading inquiry to myself, the chaplain who, with the MD, gave death notification to she & her mother, and her needing me to get her a way “up there” to see her daddy.” Thankfully, God gave me the tools & the words…

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2 How to recognize burnout

Burnout can manifest in different ways, but some common signs include feeling drained or overwhelmed, losing interest or motivation, becoming cynical or irritable, experiencing physical symptoms, and having difficulty concentrating. Additionally, people may feel guilty, inadequate, or hopeless about their work or life. Burnout is a serious issue that should not be overlooked.

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Christine Jaksy

Chaplain, Artist, Grief Specialist
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I witnessed burnout working hospice. Our chaplain team meetings stopped after a new director arrived & we didn’t have enough help on each team. So instead of having 40-50 patient load, able to make 1-3 visits per month as needed per individual patient/family, jumped to NO chaplain meetings (no support, debriefings, camaraderie, projects), & patient load of 60-75 plus. We nicknamed it a “revolving door drive-by service,” barely able to meet the required 1-time per month visit. Self-care support left. I noticed lack of focus & pre-occupation among all disciplines, & what felt & looked like disconnectivity. We all were not getting enough rest, replenish & self-nurture, time because we were in constant fight or flight mode With deadlines.

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3 How to prevent burnout in yourself

The first step to prevent burnout is to take responsibility for your own stress levels and needs. This can be done by setting achievable goals and priorities, taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities, reaching out for social support from colleagues, friends, or family, practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing, meditation, or yoga, and seeking professional help if feeling overwhelmed or depressed.

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4 How to prevent burnout in your team

As a leader or manager, you can help prevent burnout in your team by creating a supportive and respectful work environment and providing clear and constructive feedback and recognition. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration, as well as offering training and resources on stress management and CISM, are also important. Additionally, implementing CISM interventions after critical incidents, such as debriefing, defusing, or peer support, can be beneficial. Lastly, it is essential to monitor and address signs of burnout or distress among your team members.

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5 How to use CISM effectively

Careful planning, preparation, and evaluation are essential for using CISM effectively. When assessing the critical incident, you should consider its nature, severity, and impact, as well as the needs and preferences of the affected people. You should then choose the most suitable CISM intervention based on the type, timing, and purpose of the intervention. Furthermore, you should adhere to established guidelines and protocols for CISM delivery and facilitation, while respecting the confidentiality, autonomy, and diversity of the participants. Finally, follow-up support and referral to professional services should be provided when necessary.

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What are some signs of burnout and how do you prevent it in your team?

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1 What is CISM?

2 How to recognize burnout

3 How to prevent burnout in yourself

4 How to prevent burnout in your team

5 How to use CISM effectively

Critical Incident Stress Management

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