"When you have balance in your life, work becomes an entirely different experience. There is a passion that moves you to a whole new level of fulfillment and gratitude, and that's when you can do your best...for yourself and for others.” —Cara Delevingne.

 WRITTEN BY: Brittany McClain, RN

Are you a nurse feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained from your job?

You're not alone - burnout is a widespread issue in the nursing profession. But what exactly causes burnout in nursing?

• Long working hours, high patient loads, and limited control over work environment are major contributors
• Physical and emotional demands of caring for sick and suffering patients
• The constant exposure to traumatic events can also take a toll on a nurse's mental well-being.
• Lack of support from colleagues and supervisors
• Unrealistic expectations and pressure to meet high standards contribute to feelings of inadequacy

But don't despair! There are effective strategies to combat burnout and regain your sense of well-being. 

1. Resources and support: When seconds count, you need good resources that are quickly available to navigate the difficult,  complex, and stressful nature of healthcare. It helps to utilize tools for nurses that aid in organization and time management. This will make you feel more confident and less stressed knowing that you have these resources at your fingertips. Your shifts will likely go smoother and you will feel more productive. 
2. Self-care is crucial - prioritize activities that recharge and rejuvenate you outside of work. Go out with friends, explore nature, prioritize family time, and get a massage. These are all great things to start with but you need to commit to regular self-care. Create a plan and schedule these activities regularly. 
3. "No" is a complete sentence. Set boundaries and learn to say no to excessive demands and overtime, putting your own well-being first. There will always be a need to do more but you need to prioritize yourself over work. This is easier said than done so practice setting boundaries and saying “no”. 
4. Seek support from friends, family, and colleagues who understand and empathize with the challenges you face. Get together with your nursing friends outside of work on a regular basis.  There are also a ton of Facebook nursing groups you can join to vent. Just be mindful of what you post so you don’t get in trouble. 
5. Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy. Yoga, walking, and jogging, are just a few stress-reducing activities you can do! Sign up for a class or look up videos on YouTube. These are all great methods at reducing stress. 
6. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor to process your emotions and develop coping mechanisms. There are so many ways to receive counseling and therapy now. You don’t even have to leave your house. There are many great options through a variety of apps that make it easier to get help and feel supported. Better Help and Talkspace are just a couple of popular options. 
7. Advocate for changes in work policies and practices that contribute to burnout in your workplace.
8. Take your breaks and schedule your vacations! Promote a healthy work-life balance by scheduling regular breaks, vacations, and time off. Repeat after me: You are not married to your job. You do not live to work. You work to live. Your life, through your interactions with others, at work or outside of work is what makes it meaningful. Take the time for yourself and your family. 
9. Find ways to reconnect with the purpose and meaning behind your work as a nurse. Join support groups or professional organizations that provide resources and guidance for combating burnout and bring to light the purpose and rewards of nursing. 
10. Practice self-reflection/meditation and cultivate gratitude to shift your mindset towards the positive aspects of your job. Check out some guided meditation and self-reflection videos on YouTube. Here is one of my favorite videos to practice...and its free. 

(Links are not paid for or sponsored. They are just some useful resources I have found)

Remember, burnout is not a sign of weakness - it's a natural reaction to chronic stress.

By implementing these strategies and seeking support, you can combat burnout and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients. Check out Nursecheats.com to find more ways to make #nurselife easier.