Burnout in nursing: A vision of gender and “invisible” unrecorded care

Abstract

Aim To reflect on how characteristics inherent in the nursing profession might be related to burnout syndrome among the nursing collective. Background Most people are unaware of the tasks and responsibilities of the nursing profession, as well as the burnout rates suffered by nurses. The nursing profession is a feminized profession, and this feminization may lead to the assignment of gender stereotypes and roles traditionally attributed to women. Much of the care provided by nurses is unrecorded, “invisible” and could be seen as an extension of their role as caregivers. Methods This is a discussion paper. The literature on gender stereotypes, unrecorded (invisible) care in nursing and burnout are the argumentative basis of this work. Discussion Stereotypes and gender roles may explain the lack of recognition of some of the carework carried out by nurses. Care, which is the essence of the profession, continues to be largely invisible and is not valued. This lack of recognition of invisible care, coupled with gender stereotypes, may help to understand burnout syndrome in nursing. Impact for Nursing Health organizations should take into account the history of the nursing profession and the stereotypes associated with it. It is necessary to recognize and make visible much of the care provided by nurses which are not recorded (invisible care), since this would facilitate the visibilization of the workload and could reduce the possibility of suffering burnout. If we want quality care and staff who enjoy the greatest possible well‐being, it will be necessary to take these variables into consideration. One purpose should be: to care for them so that they can provide quality care to others. No Patient or Public Contribution This is a discussion paper.

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