Burnout is a prominent concern in the healthcare workforce. Although relevant to all healthcare professions, low-wage workers are often left out of the conversation despite the vital role they play in providing care. The US has an estimated 7 million underpaid but essential health care workers, including home health workers, medical and nursing assistants, food service workers, patient orderlies, housekeepers, patient sitters, and janitors.

This article presents findings of a qualitative study seeking to understand some of the main stressors contributing to burnout for frontline, essential healthcare workers in hospital settings.