The healthcare industry faces a big challenge as burnout and stress continue to affect nurses. A 2023 study found that 100,000 nurses left the industry because of stress and burnout, while more than a quarter of respondents said they plan to leave or retire within the next five years for the same reasons.
These alarming trends could have far-reaching effects on patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. Here’s what you need to know:
What is nurse burnout?
Burnout – a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion – can occur when a person spends a long period in a high-stress environment. While this is part of the healthcare industry, many factors have worsened the situation for nurses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes:
- Long working hours
- High patient-to-nurse ratios
- Emotional stress from dealing with critically ill patients
- Lack of management support
These challenging conditions can lead to serious medical errors. For example, a fatigued nurse might misread a prescription or provide the wrong dosage. Overworked nurses may not be able to check on patients as often, missing critical changes in their condition. These mistakes can harm patients and result in medical malpractice claims.
What do you do if you think you’ve faced malpractice?
Healthcare providers have a duty of care to their patients. Failure to meet this standard, even if it’s because of burnout, can lead to legal claims. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice due to nurse burnout, consider these steps:
- Document everything, including dates, times and names of healthcare providers involved.
- Report your concerns to hospital administration or patient advocacy offices.
- Get a second opinion if unsure about your diagnosis or treatment.
- Consult a medical malpractice attorney to understand your rights and see if you have a valid claim.
Note that the time limit for medical malpractice claims in Maryland is generally three years from the injury’s discovery date or five years from when the injury happened, whichever is earlier.
Advocating for your health
While it’s important to recognize the immense pressure nurses face, patients must be proactive about their own health and safety. If you’ve experienced injury or misdiagnosis that you believe may be due to medical malpractice, seeking legal counsel is essential.