Even before the coronavirus pandemic, high rates of burnout and staffing shortages plagued the nursing industry, primarily because of the stressful demands of the job. The COVID-19 pandemic only amplified these challenges, and with nearly a third of all Missouri nurses nearing retirement, improving nurse retention is key to avoiding an impending nursing workforce crisis in our state. Despite dozens of studies proving burnout is an issue, few provide interventions to help nurses -; and their patients -; overcome its challenges.
A recent study by the University of Missouri has found that a simple and common-sense solution -; giving nurses massages during their work shift -; not only reduces their physical aches and pains but also leaves them feeling mentally rejuvenated to return to work. The findings can help leaders in health care and other industries with high rates of burnout consider the impact massages or other interventions can have on improving employee well-being and reducing high rates of staff turnover. From the bedside to the research lab Jennifer Hulett has been a nurse for 30 years and is now a researcher at Mizzou's Sinclair School of Nursing.
She knows firsthand how 12-hour shifts lead to physical aches and pains, chronic stress and a high rate of burnout. With so many nurses leaving the profession for less stressful careers, the extremely high rate of burnout has caused a constantly revolving door of staffing shortages throughout the nursing industry, with the .