CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Burnout in the nursing profession is on the rise. This is an issue that was exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and has only worsened since then.
The American Nurses Association says it's more important than ever to understand how to manage and prevent burnout in the nursing field.
With that in mind, one Charlotte nurse is using comedy as her outlet and the Blumenthal Arts Stage Door Theatre is where she is pursuing that passion.
“It’s a real big deal to be invited here," comedy show producer Debbie Millwater said about the Stage Door Theatre. “The lighting, the sounds, the tech crew, there’s ushers here, we love the ushers.”
Millwater has a love for comedy.
“Comedy has played a huge part in my life," Millwater said. “Even though I think I’m funny, my kids like to assure me that I’m not.”
While she's spent time on stage, Millwater enjoys being a comedy show producer even more. Helping create shows like the 2024 March Mania Comedy Tournament, where 32 Charlotte comedians battle it out until there's one winner.
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“It just lights them up inside, it’s very validating," Millwater said.
It's a light Millwater also needs.
“I just celebrated my sixth anniversary as an overnight bedside nurse," Millwater said.
These days, there's an urgent warning about the shortage of health care workers. Research shows burnout and fatigue are prevalent.
It's something Millwater has felt, especially during the pandemic.
“Staffing numbers had dropped, and the complexity of the patients didn’t change," Millwater said.
Millwater worked in the COVID-19 unit and now works with cancer patients, most of them fighting for their lives. That's why the laughs made at comedy shows are so important.
“Comedy definitely helped me push through, not only the pandemic but nursing in general," Millwater said.
It's her love for comedy that's rewarding on and off the stage. Millwater is encouraging others to pursue their passions and find healthy outlets to combat burnout.
The March Mania Comedy Tournament finale is Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at Stage Door Theater, you can get tickets here.
Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.