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Essay / A Look at Nurses' Fatigue - 1665
Nurses' FatigueIn the recent past, nursing has become a popular career among students around the world. The demand for nurses has continued to increase gradually over the years. In fact, the number of registered nurses does not meet the demand of the private and public health sector. This phenomenon has resulted in a situation where available registered nurses must work overtime in order to meet patient needs. With this in mind, the issue of nurse fatigue has become a common problem in the nursing industry. According to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), nursing fatigue is “a feeling of tiredness” that penetrates a person's physical, mental and emotional domains, limiting their ability to function normally. Fatigue does not only imply sleepiness, as previously assumed. This involves total exhaustion that is not easily alleviated by rest. When nurses ignore the signs of fatigue, they risk developing chronic fatigue and other health problems that are difficult to treat. Additionally, fatigue can cause nurses to lose more time at work, as they may have to miss work for several days to treat it. The issue of nursing fatigue has permeated the nursing profession to the point of causing errors in the work performed by nurses. Fatigue causes a decrease in a nurse's ability to make accurate decisions for themselves and their patients. It is therefore important to find ways to reduce nurse fatigue so that it is no longer a problem. Nurse fatigue poses a danger to patients, organizations and nurses themselves and must be adequately mitigated. Signs of Fatigue It is important to know the signs of fatigue so that nurses can easily identify the problem as early as possible. In most cases, the job changes depending on their abilities. Additionally, it is important for nurses to understand that it is their ethical responsibility to practice only when they are fit to do so. Additionally, nurses must take care of themselves and take adequate time to rest and recuperate after their work. In general, nurses should be aware of their mental and physical capabilities and only work when they are well enough to do so. Conclusion Nursing fatigue is a serious topic not only in nursing circles but in the healthcare sector as a whole. The effects of nursing fatigue are so severe that the problem can no longer be ignored. As noted herein, it is important for nurses to be aware of the signs of fatigue and take appropriate action when it occurs. It is also possible for nurses to develop a work ethic that ensures they do not reach the point of fatigue.