How to prevent nurse burnout ✨👩🏾⚕️
Nurse burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress in the healthcare workplace
I remember being a new nurse and hearing seasoned nurses talk about being burned out. I didn’t understand what they meant then but now Almost 10 years in I 100% understand. Below are a few things I began to implement to maintain work-life balance and prevent burnout.
1. Take legally appointed breaks and lunch breaks
- legally you are required to take a break ! Yes there are going to be times where you are busy and things need to be done but always take your break. There should be another nurse appointed to cover your assignment and if there isn’t ask the charge nurse! Eat something drink some water use the bathroom ! Take care of you so you can take care of your patients
2. Say NO to overtime!
- sometimes the extra money sounds good but do not accept an extra shift is you are not mentally or physically ready to handle all that comes with it. I remember as a new nurse I would accept all shifts offered to me thinking I would could use the extra money then the day would come and I would be exhausted both physically and mentally wishing I could just go home and rest. Don’t be like me know your limits. If you can’t do it it’s okay to say no (also look into your companies mandatory overtime policy sometimes management can be sneaky)
3. Use your PTO/vacation/ sick time
- take a break, take a vacation , take a mental health day! You work hard for this time. USE IT. Take that vacation you deserve and don’t let anyone make you feel and about using the time you rightfully acquired. If you are sick stay home and rest, if you’re a parent and your babies need you for anything be there for them ! Management may not believe it but your job actually doesn’t come first ,your well being and the well being of your family does. (make sure you’re aware of your companies sick/pto policy)
4. REST
- I know for me it can be hard to rest on my days off especially as a single mama of ✌️but as much as you can rest. Try to spend your days or recuperating from the work week even if resting means laying on the couch watching your favorite show. Take some time to do nothing.
Burnout looks and feels different for everyone. But if we take care of ourselves we’ll be okay to take care of others ✨#lemon8careers #nursesoflemon8 #RN #nursetips #nurseburnout
Nurse burnout is a prevalent issue in the healthcare field and can lead to severe personal and professional consequences. Understanding the signs and causes of burnout is crucial for nurses seeking to protect their mental and emotional health. Many factors contribute to this condition, including high patient loads, lack of support, and overwhelming job demands. Taking proactive steps can significantly enhance work-life balance. For instance, integrating relaxation techniques like mindfulness or yoga can help reduce stress levels. Moreover, building a support network among colleagues fosters a collaborative environment where nurses can share experiences and coping strategies. Engaging in professional development can also rekindle passion for nursing, offering new perspectives and potential career advancement. Additionally, advocating for reasonable staffing ratios and better working conditions is vital for improving the overall work environment. By prioritizing self-care and well-being, nurses can better serve their patients while sustaining their passion for the vocation.
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Saying no to overtime is what I learned to do with my second job. The OT is nice but ugh it’s kinda not worth it