Case Management
Burn out is a challenge for many in this field. Answer the following questions:
1. What is "burn out"?
2. What are the signs of burn out?
3. Discuss the importance of effective supervision while providing case management.
4. Discuss ways to build a positive support network as a defense against "burn out.
“Research suggests that burnout and low job satisfaction are significant problems among mental health workers and may be especially so among those working with clients with serious mental illness.”(Purdue) Many people suffer from mental illness and addiction, and many of these people end up in a community health center where social workers/case managers help them to cope with their issues and be the problem solvers for them. The ratio of patient to case worker is extremely off balanced and many case workers become overwhelmed and experience burn out. “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.”(helpguide) When a case worker experiences burnout they put their patients at risk because they are supposed to be the solid ground for the patient to stand on and if the case manager is not motivated to help anymore they will do the patient no good in helping them move forward. Burnout is a dangerous state of mind for a case worker to have since they are supposed to be responsible, motivated and in a positive state of mind to help others. When burnout is present there is a greater chance of a case being mishandled and that can cause many different problems, not just for the person being helped, but for the case worker and their facility. The signs of burnout come in many different forms, such as physical, emotional and behavioral. Physical signs of burnout are feeling tired and drained
1. What is "burn out"?
2. What are the signs of burn out?
3. Discuss the importance of effective supervision while providing case management.
4. Discuss ways to build a positive support network as a defense against "burn out.
“Research suggests that burnout and low job satisfaction are significant problems among mental health workers and may be especially so among those working with clients with serious mental illness.”(Purdue) Many people suffer from mental illness and addiction, and many of these people end up in a community health center where social workers/case managers help them to cope with their issues and be the problem solvers for them. The ratio of patient to case worker is extremely off balanced and many case workers become overwhelmed and experience burn out. “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.”(helpguide) When a case worker experiences burnout they put their patients at risk because they are supposed to be the solid ground for the patient to stand on and if the case manager is not motivated to help anymore they will do the patient no good in helping them move forward. Burnout is a dangerous state of mind for a case worker to have since they are supposed to be responsible, motivated and in a positive state of mind to help others. When burnout is present there is a greater chance of a case being mishandled and that can cause many different problems, not just for the person being helped, but for the case worker and their facility. The signs of burnout come in many different forms, such as physical, emotional and behavioral. Physical signs of burnout are feeling tired and drained
Cited: Epstein, Ph.D, Barbara K. "Variables Associated with Burnout and Turnover Intentions Among Case Managers in Community Mental Health." Knowledge Bank. The Ohio State University. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. . Smith, M.A., Melinda, Jeanne Segal, Ph.d, and Robert Segal, M.A. "Preventing Burnout." : Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Strategies. Helpguide.org, Jan. 2012. Web. 20 Apr. 2012. . Boyer, Sarah L. "Purdue E-Pubs." "A Comparison of Assertive Community Treatment Case Management and Trad" by Sara Lynne Boyer. Purdue University. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. .