Healthcare worker burnout is not a new phenomenon. Perhaps it was brought to the attention of the general public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been a constant in the healthcare field for years. Previous studies have shown that over half of healthcare workers are experiencing overall burnout, emotional exhaustion, and/or depersonalization. Another recent study confirmed that there is a decline in new nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs). In the past decade, there have been decreasing numbers of NMT student programs, NMT students seeking certification, graduating NMT students, and NMT certificate examinees. The rapidly developing field of nuclear medicine means that we must deal with higher demands for nuclear medicine technologists and a shortage of said technologists. The reason behind this shortage is unknown. The purpose of this research project is to survey technologists on their current workplace burnout and to investigate on what impacts this has on them and their departments. More specifically, we wanted to know if burnout is a contributing factor to technologists leaving the field. A survey was sent to nuclear medicine technologists in the Saint Louis area. Nuclear medicine technologists currently working in direct patient care provided anonymous responses to questions that focused on career plans and burnout. The results showed that while almost half of respondents had frequent thoughts of leaving their position and were experiencing burnout, none had plans of leaving. While the results did not support the original hypothesis, it would be beneficial to further investigate the source of technologist burnout.

Hannah would like to thank Dr. Sarah Frye, Ejda Bajric, and Dr. Crystal Botkin for their constant support and encouragement throughout this project.