What I’ve Learned from Six Months of Burnout Conversations Across the Country
In the last six months, I’ve spoken to more healthcare professionals than ever before. From a college of nursing in Tennessee to Med Surg nurses in Illinois, from dialysis providers in Florida to oncology nurses in Colorado, from home health leaders in Southern California to committed teams here in Indiana and across the border in Ohio—I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from the people doing some of the hardest, most meaningful work in our country.
And here’s what I’ve learned.
Burnout is Everywhere.
The live polls I conduct during keynotes and workshops consistently show burnout rates between 80 and 90 percent. That’s shocking on the screen. But it’s the one-on-one conversations after these events that hit me the hardest.
A young nurse in described the bullying she experiences from seasoned coworkers. A Chief Nursing Officer told me they’ve been overworking for so long they no longer know how to function differently. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a broader problem.
Healthcare isn’t just “hard.” It’s complex, heavy, and morally exhausting. It’s navigating constant change, being asked to do more with less, and often being mistreated by systems (and leaders) that don’t support you. Burnout isn’t a personal failing. It’s a predictable result of an environment built without regard for human limits.
Healthcare Professionals Are Losing Themselves in the Work
Over and over, I meet people who love what they do. They love their patients, their team, their mission. But that love often comes at the cost of their own identity. They answer every call light, every phone call, every shift request… and stop answering to themselves.
One sign of this loss of self is the neglect of personal aspirations. During my presentations, I ask: “How many of you have a bucket list?” In the general population, around 40% of people do. In healthcare? I see hands go up from 1 to 5 percent. That difference says something powerful. Many of our best caregivers are too overwhelmed to dream.
I believe this can change. Self-care and service are not mutually exclusive. In fact, we care best for others when we’re also caring for ourselves.
People Want to Talk About Burnout
One of the most common responses I hear after my talks is, “I’m just glad to know I’m not alone.” That sentence carries so much pain and relief.
When we finally make space to talk about burnout, the floodgates open. People want to share what they’ve seen: the outcomes that shook them, the mistreatment that crushed them, the exhaustion they’ve learned to normalize. In my 1:1 coaching sessions, I spend 98% of the time listening. Not because I don’t have insights to offer, but because they’ve been holding it all in for so long.
And once people feel seen, they begin to recover.
Let’s Talk About Healthcare Burnout
If you're a healthcare leader or team member reading this, I want you to know two things:
You are not alone.
You don’t have to stay stuck.
We need to keep this conversation going—in hospitals, clinics, leadership meetings, training sessions, and conference rooms. I’d be honored to bring that conversation to your organization. You can learn more about my keynotes, workshops, and coaching at PatrickRiecke.com.
Save the Date: Fort Wayne, September 23
If you're in or near Fort Wayne, Indiana, mark your calendar for a full-day event called:
Let's Talk About Burnout: What Helps, and What's Next
📅 Monday, September 23, 2025
📍 Parkview Mirro Center
It’s going to be a powerful gathering of healthcare workers and leaders ready to move the conversation forward. Registration details will be available soon, but for now, just save the date—you won’t want to miss it.
