Beyond the Breaking Point: Preventing Burnout in Healthcare Written by Tonya McKee.

There’s a moment many of us in healthcare know too well. It might happen when you pause for a breath between back-to-back clients, or when you realize you haven’t had a proper lunch—or even a sip of water—since your shift started. Sometimes it shows up when your body is home, but your mind is still at work, replaying conversations and worrying about the people you couldn’t quite reach that day.

This is burnout. And for those of us who spend our days caring for others, it can creep in quietly until suddenly, we’re the ones who need healing.

I’ve worked in healthcare and social services for over 15 years, supporting families, leading teams, and navigating the emotional terrain that comes with helping others through some of their hardest moments. I’ve seen burnout in colleagues. I’ve felt it myself. But I’ve also learned that with intention, connection, and compassion—especially for ourselves—we can begin to prevent it.

Burnout Isn’t a Personal Failure—It’s an Occupational Hazard

First, let’s release the shame. Burnout isn’t about weakness. It’s about systems, workloads, and emotional labor that often go unseen. Healthcare workers are uniquely vulnerable because we’re constantly giving. We hold space for grief, uncertainty, and trauma. That’s meaningful work—but it’s also draining.

Understanding burnout as an occupational hazard shifts the narrative. It tells us that feeling exhausted or disconnected doesn’t make us less competent or committed. It means we’re human.

Small Boundaries Make a Big Difference

One of the most powerful tools against burnout? Boundaries.

That might look like leaving on time, saying no to an extra shift, or resisting the urge to check work emails at night. These aren't acts of selfishness—they're acts of sustainability. They protect the energy you need to continue doing this work well and to stay connected to the parts of yourself outside of your role.

I once worked with a clinician who set a simple rule: no heavy debriefs after 7 p.m. Her evenings were reserved for lightness—music, comedy, walks. She said it helped her sleep better and feel more present the next day. Boundaries don’t have to be big to be effective. Start where you can.

Check in With Your Body—It’s Talking to You

Our bodies often know we’re burning out before our minds do. That tension in your shoulders? The headache that won’t quit? The rising irritability or unexpected tears? These are signs, not inconveniences.

Build a habit of checking in. How are you breathing? Are you hungry? Are your muscles tight? A few minutes of mindfulness or gentle movement can reconnect you with yourself and interrupt the stress loop. It’s not about fixing everything—it’s about listening.

Find Your People

Burnout thrives in isolation. The antidote is connection.

Find colleagues you trust. Have honest conversations. Make space for humor, for venting, for real talk about how hard this work can be. One of the most healing moments I’ve experienced came not from a formal training but from a simple conversation with a co-worker who said, “I’ve been there too.”

If your workplace doesn’t offer regular support or debriefing, advocate for it—or start something informal. Even a 15-minute peer check-in can help us feel less alone.

Make Room for Meaning

One of the most insidious parts of burnout is how it dulls our sense of purpose. We go into this field to make a difference—but when we’re depleted, even the most meaningful work can feel empty.

Reconnecting with your “why” can be grounding. Reflect on the moments that moved you—the patient who said thank you, the family who felt heard, the colleague who leaned on you. Keep a journal, a note in your phone, or a mental highlight reel. Let those moments be reminders: your work matters, and so do you.

Closing Thoughts

Burnout prevention isn’t just about self-care. It’s about community care, system change, and a culture that values the wellbeing of the people who hold everyone else up. If you’re feeling stretched thin, know this: you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid. And there are ways forward that don’t require you to keep pushing until you break.

You deserve the same compassion you give to others. Start there.