A nurse consistently works extra shifts in the hope of earning a promo

QUESTION

A nurse consistently works extra shifts in the hope of earning a promotion. The nurse is becoming increasingly fatigued and frustrated because the promotion has not occurred. The nurse is experiencing

a. distress.
b. burnout.
c. eustress.
d. primary appraisal.

ANSWER:

ANS: B
Burnout is defined as “a state of fatigue or frustration brought about by devotion to a cause, way of life, or relationship that failed to produce an expected reward.” It develops in individuals involved with “people work” and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of diminished professional accomplishment. Distress is defined as a negative stress that causes a higher level of anxiety and is perceived as exceeding the person’s coping abilities. It is experienced as being unpleasant and diminishes performance. Hans Selye used the term eustress to describe a short-term mild level of stress. It acts as a positive stress response with protective and adaptive functions and is perceived as being within the person’s ability to manage. Primary appraisal focuses on the stressor or stressful event itself—its content and strength as a personal threat.