As a nurse who is enthused about nursing, I angrily said, “Why would you say that to me?” She told me she had been a nurse for 30 years, doing the same job in the same old way, and she was just tired and probably burnt out. Later that night, I posted this interaction on Facebook. People remotely familiar with me know that I am trying to boost my present number of friends on my personal Facebook page from 1,382 to 5,000 (you're welcome to friend me at Robert G Hess Jr), so I can have a large, interactive audience. In my post, I also suggested that nurses like Linda needed to get counseling, change jobs, go back to school, get resocialized, find a way to participate in positive change, retire or just get out of my profession.

The Linda story sparked 121 reactions, 56 comments and two shares. Interestingly, it also provided an unsought framework and lead for insights about evidence-based practice in an evidence-based career.

First of all, with a cascade of research spilling from the work of nurse scientists and researchers, no nurse could possibly be doing the same job in the same old way if he or she incorporated new evidence into the practice. The role of evidence in practice is succinctly documented in Nurse.com’s module, Follow the Evidence to Up-To-Date Practice.

Researchers have delved into every nursing specialty, changing the way things are done. Evidence has rightfully raised questions about almost every traditional practice. This is a heady time for the science of nursing, so a nurse who says that he or she is doing a job in the same way isn’t paying attention.

And research-related changes have rejuvenated a lot of us. Constant new evidence disrupts, explores and transforms old practices. It should keep us questioning our practice every day in an intoxicating way. Linda, you’re missing the good stuff. " ...no nurse could possibly be doing the same job in the same old way if he or she incorporated new evidence into the practice."

Second, evidence not only disrupts practice, but it also informs professional nurses’ careers. Organizational research provides indicators for when nurses should consider leaving their current jobs, switching roles within their career or searching for change to invigorate their current situation, such as going back to school, networking or joining a professional organization.

Nurses who say they are burnt out are not just turning a phrase. Burnout is real and has been precisely measured for decades. Instruments such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory- Medical Personnel Form rate healthcare professionals’ responses to statements like “I feel emotionally drained from my work,” “I have accomplished many worthwhile things in this job,” and “I don't really care what happens to some patients.”

Other surveys provide signals of job fatigue with concepts such as intent to leave for when it’s time to change jobs long before we consciously think we’re ready to make a switch.

Recognize the signs of burnout in yourself and those around you. You may or may not be able to help a colleague, but you can do something about yourself.

Feeling overly drained, frustrated, fatigued or just used up on a chronic basis may signal you should evaluate your future in your present position, role or even profession. Nursing has more career options than any other profession; take advantage of that.

Examine your employment situation for indicators of job satisfaction by observing the professionals around you. Do your colleagues seem happy? Do they smile? Do they participate in work group activities, such as shared governance councils or committees, or informal gatherings outside of work?

If the people around you are satisfied in their work environment, chances are, you are too. And if you’re not, maybe your co-workers will influence your everyday satisfaction and help you to become more enthused.