Some health care workers treat their cars better than their bodies, says Mary Rose Remington, a long-time career counselor who provides counseling and career direction to Fairview employees. A burned-out health care worker suffers, and so can their patients, co-workers and families.

Burnout involves psychological - and often physical - exhaustion from being overworked or experiencing prolonged exposure to stress. This ultimately leads to diminished productivity. Workers experience burnout when the job isn't what they expected; when they don't have the resources to do the job; lack supportive relationships at work; and don't relax and recharge between shifts.

"The longer you are in a healthcare job, the more likely you are to experience burnout," Remington says. "Denial is not a coping strategy."

Employees should heed these classic signs: chronic fatigue, being less tolerant with co-workers and patients, diminished efficiency, and frequent tardiness. To prevent burnout, Remington advises starting with self-care basics: balanced eating, regular aerobic exercise, getting enough sleep, keeping a sense of humor and accessing support networks.

"Taking vacation time is an absolute must to recharge batteries," Remington says. "Compulsive work habits are like an addiction - an addiction that is often encouraged in our society."

Healthcare workers must take breaks while on the job, whether it's a walk around the facility, a meal or even a short meditation at their workstation. If a task becomes overwhelming or there's a personality conflict with a patient, Remington advises employees to ask for help and access the power of their team. "No woman or man is an island," she says.

"Healthcare workers need to identify what part of their job is causing the most stress and understand they always have options," Remington adds. They might take a short sabbatical or cut back to part-time, if finances allow. (Fairview provides benefits to employees working at a .5 position.)

Remington encourages her clients to do informational interviews about different positions and departments. Employees might consider a lateral change or one with less patient contact. Taking a step down to a "not so big job" may be a viable choice, she says. Going back to school could be a smart option as well, especially if the employer offers tuition reimbursement.

"If you have 10 or 20 years left to work, why not pursue something you love?" Remington says. "It's a rare person who can stay at one job their entire career and still feel challenged."

Nancy Crotti is a freelance writer who lives in St. Paul.