NCLEX Prep Meets Real-Life Nursing: Burnout, Safety, and Geriatric Care Questions
- Nurse Chuckles, RN (CNO)
- Mar 30
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Ah, nursing. A rewarding profession where compassion meets skill, and patience is tested with every “I just Googled my symptoms” patient that rolls in. However, let’s face it: with today’s nursing shortage and burnout epidemic, many of us are wondering if we should be the ones in those hospital beds.
Tragically, the consequences of burnout and extreme fatigue go beyond the hospital walls. In May 2024, a nurse in Boston accidentally drove her car off the top floor of a hospital parking garage after reportedly sleeping in her vehicle between shifts. She survived but sustained serious injuries, a devastating reminder of how exhaustion can impair judgment and lead to fatal accidents.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) study that found 33% of night-shift nurses reported falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days — a pretty alarming stat that makes the same point effectively. Visit The National Institute of Health for more information the burden and stress of fatigue
Now, if you still want to be a nurse after reading this Blog thus far, scroll down to the bottom to view 7 Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) questions. You can look forward to NGN questions with each of our blogs. You can also click the image be low to use my Amazon Affiliate Link to get a headstart on safe medication administration, by purchasing Mosby’s Seventh Edition Mosby Pharmacology Memory Notecards.
The Great Nursing Shortage – Why Are We So Short?
If you’ve worked in healthcare recently, you’ve probably noticed a few things are, uh, missing. Like nurses. In fact, the U.S. is facing a whopping shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers by 2028. And in case that’s not alarming enough, we’re already 22,600 geriatricians short (yep, that’s a lot of neglected grandmas and grandpas out there).
With an aging population and the pressure cooker that is modern healthcare, this shortage isn’t just a “future problem” — it’s hitting us right now. Staffing levels are dwindling, leaving nurses stretched thinner than your favorite pair of compression socks. (Pro tip: these graduated compression socks can help ease leg pain after those marathon shifts.)
I also earn commission or a small profit if you purchase through any of my affiliate links on this blog. So, please use my links, if you’re in need of anything, and help a sista out😘. Although compression socks are used to prevent blood clots commonly known as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), it’s important to R/O the presence of a DVT prior to utilizing compression socks.
Compression socks are usually a nurse’s secret weapon for fighting off leg fatigue and improving circulation during those long, endless shifts. However, like all superheroes, they have their kryptonite. There are certain conditions where compression socks can do more harm than good. Here’s when you should steer clear:
1. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): If you have PAD, compression socks can restrict blood flow even further in your already narrowed arteries, worsening circulation.
2. Peripheral Neuropathy: Got some nerve damage in your legs or feet? If the feeling’s not quite there, you might not notice any harmful effects from the pressure, making compression socks a potential danger.
3. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): With CHF, your body retains fluid, and extra pressure from compression socks might put even more strain on your already hardworking heart.
4. Infections or Open Wounds: Compression socks and open wounds are not a match made in heaven. They can trap moisture and aggravate skin infections or ulcers, delaying healing.
5. Severe Venous Stasis: In advanced venous disease, especially with skin breakdown or ulcers, you’ll need medical guidance to ensure compression socks are safe to use.
6. Dermatitis or Skin Sensitivity: If your skin’s already irritated, compression socks could rub you the wrong way (literally), so it’s best to avoid them in cases of severe dermatitis or skin allergies.
Pro tip: Always consult with a healthcare provider before strapping on those compression socks, and use caution on your own patient’s if any of these conditions are present. Safety first, socks second!
Burnout: When Your Emotional Gas Tank Hits E
The other side of the coin? Nurse burnout. You know that feeling when your alarm goes off at 5 a.m., and you contemplate changing your name and moving to a remote island? Yeah, that’s burnout. According to a survey, about 49% of healthcare workers (that’s almost half of us!) report feeling burnt out.
Common symptoms include:
• Getting unusually irritated at that one colleague who insists on reheating fish in the breakroom microwave.
• Excessive reliance on caffeine (because five cups of coffee is definitely fine, right?).
• Feeling like you’ve accomplished nothing even after saving lives all shift.
Burnout is real, folks! It’s dangerous not just for our own sanity, but for patient care, too. Fatigue and emotional detachment can lead to errors, and when you’re dealing with medications and life-or-death situations, that’s a big no-no.
Sometimes, we have to do our own Emotional Triage. Check out this book by Olivia Lovejoy, RN. She touches on some of her own personal experiences, that many nurse or soon to be nurses may identify with. It’s on sell on Amazon for $15.80 (Paperback), and it makes a good addition to your classroom, as suggested reading, if you're a nursing instructor. When we’re teaching the next generation of nurses, it's important to teach early what many of us learned late😎. Taping on the photo below allows you to use my affiliate link to purchase her book, earning me a little commission in the process💰.
So, What Can We Do?
Don’t worry — we’re not just here to complain (though it’s tempting). There are ways to mitigate burnout, even in the midst of a staffing crisis. Here’s a quick guide to keeping your sanity intact:
1. Take Breaks – No, seriously. You’re not a hero for skipping lunch. Go eat something that isn’t from a vending machine. I know it's easier said than done! I still find myself eating on the go, but it's necessary to build a habit of selfcare, or we’re no good to someone at the end of the day. That someone can be your patient, your family, or yourself.
2. Say No to Extra Shifts – Yes, we know you want to help the team, but if you keep running on empty, you’re not helping anyone. Boundaries, my friends! A handy nurse planner can help keep your schedule organized and ensure you’re not overextending yourself.
3. Find a Mentor or Therapist – We all need a little support. Vent to a trusted colleague or find professional counseling if you need it (and believe me, we all need it sometimes).
4. Invest in Self-Care – Don’t underestimate the power of small acts of self-care, whether it’s setting up a fireplace aromatherapy diffuser to wind down after a long day or ensuring you’re getting proper rest. Little things make a big difference when it comes to preventing burnout.
5. Advocate for Better Staffing – It’s not just about surviving your shift; it’s about creating a healthier environment for everyone. Speak up when things aren’t safe. You deserve better, and so do your patients.
These two weekly planners below may help you prevent over scheduling yourself, or at least laugh about the life you, a family member, or your nurse has chosen.
2025 PLANNER #1
2025-2026 PLANNER #2
Now, the moment all you future nurses have been waiting for😎! Test your knowledge with these 7 NGN questions.
Pop Quiz Time: Nurse & Patient Safety Edition
❤️🔥Let’s see if your clinical spidey senses are tingling. It’s safety season on the acute care unit — and you’re the headliner!
Question 1: Multiple Response
You’re caring for a confused post-op patient trying to climb out of bed. Which of the following interventions are appropriate for patient safety? Select all that apply.
• A. Keep all four side rails up at all times
• B. Ensure the call light is within reach
• C. Place the bed in the lowest position
• D. Apply a vest restraint immediately
• E. Initiate hourly rounding
Correct Answers: B, C, E
Rationales:
• B: Keeping the call light close encourages patients to ask for help before attempting to move independently.
• C: A low bed reduces the chance of injury if the patient tries to get up unassisted.
• E: Hourly rounding is a proactive fall prevention strategy and reassures the patient.
• A & D: All four side rails may be considered a restraint, and restraints require a provider’s order and should be used only as a last resort.
Question 2: Cloze (Fill-in-the-Blank Style/ Comprehension)
A nurse is preparing to administer insulin. She notices the syringe is labeled “U-100,” but the vial reads “U-500.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
Answer: Hold the medication and notify the pharmacy.
Rationale:
U-500 insulin is significantly more concentrated than U-100. Using a U-100 syringe with U-500 insulin could result in a fivefold overdose — a critical medication error. Clarification must be obtained before administration.
Question 3: Matrix/Grid – Clinical Judgment
Match each nurse action with the appropriate safety-related outcome in an acute care setting:
Answers:
A → 1
B → 3
C → 2
Rationales:
• A: Clear labeling helps prevent tubing mix-ups (e.g., enteral vs. IV lines).
• B: Using two identifiers is a standard safety protocol to prevent wrong-patient errors.
• C: Proper body mechanics reduce injury risk to the nurse during physical tasks.
Question 4: Case Scenario – Highlight the Risk
A nurse is caring for four patients. Read the notes and highlight the highest safety risk.
• Patient A: Scheduled for discharge, requests assistance with dressing
• Patient B: Diabetic, blood glucose 49 mg/dL, no symptoms reported
• Patient C: Waiting for transport, oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• Patient D: Complains of chest tightness, received nitroglycerin 10 minutes ago
Correct Answer to Highlight: Patient B – Asymptomatic hypoglycemia
Rationale:
Even without symptoms, a blood sugar of 49 mg/dL is dangerously low. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent seizures, loss of consciousness, or worse.
Question 5: Drag-and-Drop – Fall Prevention Priorities
A patient with a history of falls is being admitted to the med-surg unit. Drag and drop the nursing interventions in order of priority.
• Ensure the bed alarm is activated
• Assess the patient’s gait and balance
• Place non-skid socks on the patient
• Complete a fall risk assessment
• Educate the patient and family about fall prevention
Correct Order:
1. Complete a fall risk assessment
2. Assess the patient’s gait and balance
3. Place non-skid socks on the patient
4. Ensure the bed alarm is activated
5. Educate the patient and family about fall prevention
Rationale:
Assessment always comes first. Once the risk is identified, safety gear and equipment follow. Education supports long-term compliance and prevention.
Question 6: Case Study – Recognizing Delirium
An 82-year-old patient is post-op day 2 after hip surgery. She suddenly becomes confused, tries to pull out her IV, and is agitated. What is the nurse’s priority?
• A. Administer PRN lorazepam
• B. Reorient the patient and assess for infection
• C. Notify the family to help calm her
• D. Call for a psychiatric consult
Correct Answer: B. Reorient the patient and assess for infection
Rationale:
Delirium in older adults is often caused by underlying conditions like infections (UTI, pneumonia). Reorientation and physical assessment come first. Medication and consults can be considered after treating the cause.
Question 7: Trend Recognition – Geriatric Safety
A nurse is monitoring an older adult patient with dementia. Which of the following trends should alert the nurse to a potential safety concern? Select all that apply.
• A. Wandering at night
• B. Refusing meals for 2 consecutive days
• C. Reports of vivid dreams
• D. Increasing episodes of incontinence
• E. Repeated removal of dressings
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationales:
• A: Wandering increases fall and elopement risk.
• B: Refusal to eat may signal discomfort, depression, or illness.
• D: Sudden changes in continence may indicate infection or cognitive decline.
• E: Repetitive behavior may indicate unmet needs, discomfort, or pain.
C, while worth noting, is not as immediately tied to physical safety risk unless it’s associated with hallucinations or delusions.
Hang in There, Nurses
Nurse burnout is real—and it’s getting worse. Over 100,000 U.S. nurses left the workforce during the pandemic, with burnout and stress cited as top reasons (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2023). Meanwhile, hospitals scramble to fill the gap, creating a toxic loop: fewer nurses, more work, deeper burnout.
This isn’t just a staffing problem—it’s a systems failure. We need better support, smarter workflows, and real conversations about mental health in nursing. But let’s not forget: humor helps. A lot.
That’s where Nurse Chuckles comes in. It’s not just a blog—it’s a brain break, a business tool, and a survival kit wrapped in wit.
Want to grow your healthcare business and keep your staff sane?
The nursing shortage and burnout crisis is no joke, but with a bit of humor and a whole lot of resilience, we can tackle it together. Just remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup — so take care of yourselves first.
Let’s keep advocating for better staffing, supporting each other, and finding moments to laugh (even if it’s just at the absurdity of it all). We’ve got this!
Stay Connected with Nurse Chuckles, RN!
• For more laughs and nursing wisdom, make sure to follow Nurse Chuckles, RN on TikTok (yes, both accounts!), YouTube, and Instagram.
• Become part of the community by joining Harriet & Nightingale’s Proteges - My Two Cents Community Help Services. It’s where nurses like you can connect, share, and get exclusive tips and resources!
• Oh, and if you’re studying for the NCLEX, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest for the ATI NCLEX prep section — tons of free tips to help you conquer that exam like the pro you are!
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