NURSE Dilemma
Student Burnout
STUDENT Worksheet
.
Susan Peterson, 21 years old
Overview
Most nursing students experience high levels of stress. For some, it crosses a line and the slow fade of burnout
can steal the joy and passion of caring for others. Nursing has one of the highest rates of burn out of any
profession. Identifying EARLY signs of burnout and practical strategies to cultivate self-care is required and is
the emphasis of this nursing dilemma.
Clinical Dilemma Activity: STUDENT Student Burnout
I. Scenario
History of Present Problem:
© 2015 Keith Rischer/www.KeithRN.com
This study source was downloaded by 100000842980116 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2022 06:01:05 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72164254/clinicals-day-6docx/
, Susan Peterson is a 21-year-old second year nursing student at a local community college who consistently received As in
high school, but has been able to maintain only a C average since she began the program. She continues to work thirty
hours a week as a nursing assistant to support herself. She wants to be the best nurse possible and if she does not raise her
grades, her expectations and perceptions of herself are directly impacted. Though she has made adjustments in her study
habits and feels she knows the content, her grades have not improved.
This additional stress has caused her to feel mentally and physically exhausted even though she feels that she is
getting enough sleep. She has neglected to take time to attend church or maintain relationships outside of school this past
semester because “I don’t have the time.”
What data from the histories is important & RELEVANT; therefore it has clinical significance to the nurse?
RELEVANT Data from Present Problem: Clinical Significance:
Mentally and physically exhausted. Susan seems to be on the road to burnout. There are physical, emotional,
and behavioral symptoms to be aware of as well as suppressing your
immune system. You can support your mood and energy levels with a
healthy diet and reevaluating priorities.
Neglecting church and relationships. Susan may feel isolated from those she loves and disconnected spiritually.
II. The Dilemma Begins…
Current Concern:
Susan comes to clinical and appears physically tired. Michelle, the clinical instructor becomes concerned when she
observes Susan respond harshly to her patient’s request for a pain medication. After clinical, Michelle asks Susan if
everything is alright. Susan begins to break down and cry and tells Michelle, “I feel like such a failure! What was I
thinking even going into this program. I feel so helpless. Regardless of all that I do, I can’t even get a B in my major!”
What data from the current concern is important & RELEVANT; therefore, it has clinical significance to the nurse?
RELEVANT Data from Current Concern: Clinical Significance:
Appears physically tired. Fatigue can cause a vast range of other physical, mental and emotional
symptoms. Headaches, sore and weak muscles, slow responses, impaired
judgement, irritability and etc.
Harsh response to pt.
This is an effect of being burnt out- this will affect your mood- making you
more irritable.
Susan breaks down- cries and states she feels
like a failure and feels helpless Susan seems to have a nervous breakdown due to her exhaustion and
burnout. Unexplained outbursts are common.
© 2015 Keith Rischer/www.KeithRN.com
This study source was downloaded by 100000842980116 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2022 06:01:05 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72164254/clinicals-day-6docx/
Student Burnout
STUDENT Worksheet
.
Susan Peterson, 21 years old
Overview
Most nursing students experience high levels of stress. For some, it crosses a line and the slow fade of burnout
can steal the joy and passion of caring for others. Nursing has one of the highest rates of burn out of any
profession. Identifying EARLY signs of burnout and practical strategies to cultivate self-care is required and is
the emphasis of this nursing dilemma.
Clinical Dilemma Activity: STUDENT Student Burnout
I. Scenario
History of Present Problem:
© 2015 Keith Rischer/www.KeithRN.com
This study source was downloaded by 100000842980116 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2022 06:01:05 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72164254/clinicals-day-6docx/
, Susan Peterson is a 21-year-old second year nursing student at a local community college who consistently received As in
high school, but has been able to maintain only a C average since she began the program. She continues to work thirty
hours a week as a nursing assistant to support herself. She wants to be the best nurse possible and if she does not raise her
grades, her expectations and perceptions of herself are directly impacted. Though she has made adjustments in her study
habits and feels she knows the content, her grades have not improved.
This additional stress has caused her to feel mentally and physically exhausted even though she feels that she is
getting enough sleep. She has neglected to take time to attend church or maintain relationships outside of school this past
semester because “I don’t have the time.”
What data from the histories is important & RELEVANT; therefore it has clinical significance to the nurse?
RELEVANT Data from Present Problem: Clinical Significance:
Mentally and physically exhausted. Susan seems to be on the road to burnout. There are physical, emotional,
and behavioral symptoms to be aware of as well as suppressing your
immune system. You can support your mood and energy levels with a
healthy diet and reevaluating priorities.
Neglecting church and relationships. Susan may feel isolated from those she loves and disconnected spiritually.
II. The Dilemma Begins…
Current Concern:
Susan comes to clinical and appears physically tired. Michelle, the clinical instructor becomes concerned when she
observes Susan respond harshly to her patient’s request for a pain medication. After clinical, Michelle asks Susan if
everything is alright. Susan begins to break down and cry and tells Michelle, “I feel like such a failure! What was I
thinking even going into this program. I feel so helpless. Regardless of all that I do, I can’t even get a B in my major!”
What data from the current concern is important & RELEVANT; therefore, it has clinical significance to the nurse?
RELEVANT Data from Current Concern: Clinical Significance:
Appears physically tired. Fatigue can cause a vast range of other physical, mental and emotional
symptoms. Headaches, sore and weak muscles, slow responses, impaired
judgement, irritability and etc.
Harsh response to pt.
This is an effect of being burnt out- this will affect your mood- making you
more irritable.
Susan breaks down- cries and states she feels
like a failure and feels helpless Susan seems to have a nervous breakdown due to her exhaustion and
burnout. Unexplained outbursts are common.
© 2015 Keith Rischer/www.KeithRN.com
This study source was downloaded by 100000842980116 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2022 06:01:05 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/72164254/clinicals-day-6docx/
