As a nurse, you face immense pressure every day—whether it’s from long shifts, high-stress situations, or dealing with emotional and physical exhaustion. Yet, when it comes to the psychological toll of this work, there’s often confusion about the distinction between burnout and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Knowing the difference is crucial, not only for your health but also for securing the support you deserve.

What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It often develops gradually and can be triggered by factors such as chronic workload stress, lack of support, and workplace culture. For nurses, burnout might manifest as feelings of cynicism or detachment from your work, emotional exhaustion, and a reduced sense of accomplishment.

Some common signs of burnout include:

• Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
• Decreased motivation or passion for patient care
• Increased irritability or frustration
• A sense of helplessness or being overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

While burnout can significantly affect your wellbeing, it’s generally viewed as a response to stress that can improve with the right support and self-care strategies. However, if left unaddressed, burnout can escalate into more serious mental health issues.

What is PTSD?
Unlike burnout, PTSD is a specific psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For nurses, this could include caring for patients in critical conditions, witnessing death, or being involved in violent or life-threatening situations. PTSD is more than just a reaction to stress—it can alter how you think, feel, and behave long after the traumatic event has passed.

Key symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to traumatic events
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge)
• Emotional numbness or detachment from others
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma

Why the Difference Matters
In Alberta, nurses are eligible for coverage for certain psychological injuries, but this coverage is often tied to specific diagnoses—most notably PTSD. Burnout, while extremely serious, typically doesn’t qualify for the same kind of coverage under workers’ compensation policies, since it’s seen as a broader, more generalized response to work stress rather than a direct result of a traumatic event.

Traumatic events or chronic stress in the workplace may not directly cause PTSD but work on burnout through stress accumulation, leading to a significant increase in PTSD symptoms. Any initiative that contributes to the mitigation of burnout may be helpful in preventing PTSD.

Why Nurses Need Presumptive Coverage for PTSD
Nurses face high-stress, emotionally taxing situations every day, which makes them particularly vulnerable to both burnout and PTSD. The work you do is invaluable, yet the psychological toll it takes often goes unrecognized.

Steps You Can Take to Advocate for Coverage

1. Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about Alberta’s workers’ compensation policies and how PTSD and psychological injuries are covered under the law.
2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep detailed records of any symptoms you experience, particularly if you’ve experienced a traumatic event. This will help you make your case for PTSD.
3. Seek Professional Help: Reach out to mental health professionals who specialize in trauma or work-related psychological injuries. A diagnosis from a qualified professional can be crucial for your claim. Reach out to a peer-support group.
4. Speak Up: Join conversations with your colleagues and union representatives to advocate for better mental health support and recognition of psychological injuries. Sign and distribute the petition to add nurses to presumptive legislation.