Evidence-Based Strategies for Well-Being and Professional Fulfillment
By APSHO Staff
At JADPRO Live 2024, a panel of advanced practice providers (APPs) led a discussion on burnout and well-being. @Carolyn Grande, CRNP, AOCNP, FAPO, a nurse practitioner at Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, @Rachel Eiring, PA-C, an oncology PA and NP/PA Supervisor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Laura Kirk, MSPAS, PA-C, CPXP, DFAAPA, FACH, Assistant Director of Advanced Practice Providers at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, presented tools for oncology APPs to cultivate resilience, advocate for system-level changes, and improve workplace satisfaction.
Understanding Well-Being and Burnout
Ms. Kirk kicked off the session with defining terms. Well-being is multidimensional, encompassing physical, emotional, and interpersonal aspects, while burnout pulls professionals away from this state. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of inefficacy. Ms. Kirk noted that “The opposite of burnout is enthusiasm, connection, and a sense of control over your environment.”
Ms. Eiring discussed the evolution of burnout recognition from an individual problem to a system-wide issue, particularly after the implementation of electronic medical records and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. Grande commented that “Burnout is not only a physician issue. It reaches across the disciplines. Our lab techs, medical assistants, unit secretaries, APPs—everybody is affected by what they’ve been exposed to.”
Risk Factors for Burnout
Ms. Kirk outlined professional and personal risk factors for burnout, including inadequate administrative support, high workload, and leadership burnout. She highlighted that “Oncology professionals are the third most at-risk specialty for burnout, following emergency and critical care.” Personal factors such as gender identity, age, and caregiving responsibilities also contribute to burnout risk.
Despite these challenges, Ms. Kirk shared that “NPs and PAs report high professional satisfaction, with oncology ranking as one of the most fulfilling specialties.”
Culture of Wellness
Ms. Eiring emphasized the importance of a culture of wellness in creating a sustainable work environment. She encouraged professionals to advocate for recognition and fair workload distribution. Ms. Grande commented, “To be in an environment that promotes and supports well-being is critical. It’s not just about individual resilience—it’s about creating a culture where we lift each other up.”
The panelists stressed the impact of workspace design, communication workflows, automation of tasks, and appropriate staffing models. Ms. Eiring noted the importance of addressing inefficient systems to reduce unnecessary cognitive burden.
Well-Being Strategies
Ms. Kirk described The Stanford Model for Professional Fulfillment, which comprises three domains: personal resilience, culture of wellness, and efficiency of practice. The panel also presented evidence-based strategies from Duke University’s The WISER Choices for Personal Resilience study (hsq.dukehealth.org/tools), including:
1. Three good things: Writing down three positive experiences daily.
2. Cultivating awe
3. Random acts of kindness
4. Cultivating relationships
5. Writing gratitude letters
Call to Action
The panelists left attendees with a call to action, urging them to implement small but impactful changes in their workplace. Ms. Kirk encouraged the audience to integrate well-being discussions into team meetings. Ms. Eiring reinforced that “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution” and to see what strategies work for them.
The session concluded with a powerful message: Burnout prevention and well-being enhancement require system-wide commitment, continuous advocacy, and individual self-care. By fostering a supportive culture, optimizing workflows, and using evidence-based strategies, oncology/hematology teams can create fulfilling work environments.
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