Recognizing and preventing job burnout.

PROBLEM: Lately, I've come to dislike my job, the residents, and even my colleagues. The realities of my job are not what I envisioned when I entered the pharmacy profession. I feel emotionally drained and trapped and wish I entered some other field. Am I alone in feeling this way? SOLUTION: Your feelings are classic symptoms of burnout, an occupational hazard associated with health care professions. Left unchecked, burnout negatively affects job satisfaction, physical health, and interpersonal relationships. Fortunately, burnout is treatable-and preventable. Understanding and recognizing job burnout are core components in tackling this problem.