Speaking on Burnout in Palm Springs: Why the Conversation Must Continue
“Overcoming Burnout” Palm Springs, CA, May 2025
Two and a Half Years Later, I Found Myself in the Desert. Here’s Why That Matters.
The evening before my keynote at the California Association for Health Services at Home, I stood on the patio of my resort in Palm Springs, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. It hit me. This moment was full circle. Just two and a half years ago, I was completely burned out from my job in healthcare. That season nearly cost me everything: my physical health, my peace of mind, and my sense of self.
But somehow, through the slow, messy process of recovery, I had made it here—to a desert oasis, preparing to speak to hundreds of professionals who, like me, know the weight of burnout all too well.
The next morning, during my keynote, I asked attendees to respond to a live poll: “Have you experienced at least one symptom of burnout in the past 12 months?”
81% said yes. Another 8% said maybe.
That’s nearly 9 in 10 of those home healthcare workers who are going to work each day carrying some level of burnout.
The questions during the Q&A were as insightful as they were raw. One attendee asked—only half-joking—“Why would any sane person refuse sedation before having their heart shocked back into rhythm?” It was a fair question that I still don’t have a great answer to. Others wanted to know how to avoid their own collapse, why this happens so often, and how to support their teams.
When we talk about burnout, healthcare coworkers and leaders are listening, they’re exhausted, and they’re desperate for real conversation, not just another empty pep talk.
Burnout Is Everywhere—and It’s Not Slowing Down
California was my farthest destination so far this year, but it wasn’t unique. I’ve spoken in eight states in 2025 alone, and the message is always the same:
Healthcare burnout is real. It’s growing. And it knows no boundaries.
During hallway conversations at the conference, I heard the same themes I’ve encountered from coast to coast—overwork, under-support, and overwhelming bureaucracy. Attendees spoke about the strain of upcoming changes to California’s Medi-Cal program. Another described their team’s emotional exhaustion after repeated staffing crises. The details may change, but the story is familiar.
At a recent presentation for the Oncology Nursing Society in Denver, one attendee shared:
“Thank you to Patrick for saying it’s not our fault. We don’t hear that enough.”
Another said:
“I’m applying knowledge and skills from this session now to enhance my practice and mental wellbeing as an oncology nurse.”
That’s why I keep showing up. That’s why I’m still talking about this.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance we’ve already met. Maybe you attended a session in Denver, Indiana, Tennessee. Or perhaps you were in the room in Palm Springs last week. My hope is that the message stuck with you: burnout isn’t your fault, and there are real strategies for recovery and prevention.
But we can’t let the conversation stop at the event.
If your organization is ready to take burnout seriously—whether you're in leadership or on the front lines—let’s talk. I’d love to bring this message to your team, your staff retreat, or your next conference.
Book a keynote or workshop at PatrickRiecke.com
