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Critical Care Nurse Mock Interview

Question 29 of 30 for our Critical Care Nurse Mock Interview

Critical Care Nurse was updated by on January 31st, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 29 of 30

Why do you think critical care nurses often report experiencing 'burn out,' and what do you do to prevent that?

"I had a great mentor when I was in nursing school. She told me if I didn't remember anything else she told me, that I should always remember to take care of myself. I have grown to understand what she meant. If we are bogged down physically and emotionally, it is easy to become overwhelmed and experience feeling burned out."

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How to Answer: Why do you think critical care nurses often report experiencing 'burn out,' and what do you do to prevent that?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Critical Care Nurse job interview.

  • 29. Why do you think critical care nurses often report experiencing 'burn out,' and what do you do to prevent that?

      How to Answer

      Being a healthcare provider is a great responsibility. Unfortunately, because of the great responsibility, many providers do report experiencing the need to take a break. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of handling stress and that you know when to ask for help.

      Written by Darby Faubion

      Entry Level Example

      "I had a great mentor when I was in nursing school. She told me if I didn't remember anything else she told me, that I should always remember to take care of myself. I have grown to understand what she meant. If we are bogged down physically and emotionally, it is easy to become overwhelmed and experience feeling burned out."

      Written by Darby Faubion

      Answer Example

      "I understand how some healthcare providers can experience burn out. It has nothing to do with wanting to change professions or leave a job. Sometimes it's just hard to lose patients or to feel like we can't save them all. I try to schedule myself some personal time, whether its a few days away when I am off work or going hiking. Anything to help create some balance in my life."

      Written by Darby Faubion

      Experienced Example

      "Unfortunately, I can speak from experience about burn out. When I was a new nurse, I thought I could work all the time and that I was invincible. I lost several patients within a short period of time and the toll of the loss was very overwhelming to me. Since then, I have learned how to work hard, but to also work hard at caring for myself as well."

      Written by Darby Faubion

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "It is in our nature as nurses to fix things and when we are unable to save a patient it can weigh heavy on our hearts. Critical care is an area of nursing where patients are very sick and sometimes despite our best efforts they cannot be saved. I know that I am an empath and I sometimes bring home things from work with me that were difficult, but I have coping mechanisms in place such as practicing yoga, getting out in nature, talking with loved ones, as well as journaling. All feelings are valid and should be felt but having coping mechanisms in place helps prevent burnout."

      Cindy's Feedback

      Good! So the burnout that is often reported stems from losing patients? Are there other reasons for burnout, such as long hours or stressful circumstances?

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