The term BURN-OUT has been used to describe a
phenomenon experienced by members of the helping professions who idealistically strive to achieve unrealistic goals. Nurses, particularly those dedicated to a clinical speciality seem to be especially prone to suffering from this unpleasant outcome of stress. What burn-out really is, how to differentiate it from other syndromes and what to do about it become important issues for these dedicated nurses. Happily, there are some steps that an individual who believes he or she is suffering from burn-out can do to alleviate the symptoms.