You're overwhelmed by burnout symptoms in nursing. How can you find effective coping mechanisms?

When I'm overwhelmed by burnout symptoms in nursing, I first identify the specific stressors contributing to my feelings. These could be long hours, staffing shortages, emotional strain from patient care, or conflicts with colleagues. By pinpointing the exact sources of my stress, I can address them directly. For instance, if long hours are the issue, I might explore options for a more balanced schedule or speak with my supervisor about workload management. This helps me find effective coping mechanisms and improve my well-being.

When I'm overwhelmed by burnout in nursing, I focus on developing self-care habits to cope effectively. I prioritize getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and staying physically active to maintain my health. Additionally, I engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or hobbies that bring me happiness and relaxation. It's important to remind myself that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for sustaining the energy and compassion I need to provide quality care to my patients. By taking care of myself, I can prevent burnout and maintain a positive balance in my nursing career.

During the first semester of nursing school, our instructors guided us through developing a care plan for ourselves. This care plan served as a tool we would use throughout the rest of nursing school. The care plan identified our diagnosis and proper treatment plan. The treatment plan was self-care habits to help us whenever we would be experiencing any unwanting symptoms. My self-care routine consisted of going to the gym, inline skating, hiking in the mountains, spending quality time with friends and family, and occasionally drinking a glass of wine. To this day, I still utilize my self-care habits when I detect a trigger or feeling of being overwhelmed, and I encourage all new nurses, especially, to create a care plan for themselves.

When I'm overwhelmed by burnout symptoms in nursing, finding effective coping mechanisms involves seeking social support. I reach out to colleagues who understand the pressures of our profession, seeking camaraderie and advice. Outside of work, I lean on friends and family for emotional support. Joining a support group specifically for healthcare professionals is also beneficial, as it provides a safe space to share experiences and learn coping strategies. Knowing I'm not alone in facing these challenges helps me navigate burnout and maintain my well-being in nursing.

Having the proper support system as a nurse is essential for feeling human. We face many traumatizing events and usually appear as if they do not bother us. The reality is that we are human and have emotions, and over time, we find ways to hide our true emotions to protect the patients. Having a great network of friends to help support you emotionally can be beneficial in helping you process your thoughts and feelings. Whether they are friends within our industry or great listeners, finding someone to listen and understand us can go a long way. And if you can't find a friend, there is a lot of support through healthcare systems that offer licensed therapy as an option through our insurance.

If adequately utilized, the nursing profession offers one of the best work-life balances. Our schedule allows us to work hard three days a week and rest for the remaining four days. You could plan a mini staycation, work out, or spend extra time with your children or fur baby, to name a few. Our industry is one of the few that allows us to work full-time hours but with the capability of taking a mini vacation between our days off. Short on cash to take a vacation? That is okay because many systems often offer overtime due to our shortage. You have the ability to create a dream life if you choose to, and nursing is a beautiful career that will help you achieve a balanced work-life balance.

Recognizing and acknowledging burnout is the crucial first step toward addressing it effectively. It involves being honest with yourself about your feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy, and understanding that these are common responses to chronic workplace stress. Accepting that you are experiencing burnout allows you to validate your emotions, seek appropriate support, and take proactive steps to manage and mitigate its impact on your well-being and professional life.

Nursing isn't for the weak. Long hours, patients experiencing trauma associated with being in the hospital, and overworked providers can all be a recipe for burnout, but recognizing proper management can help reduce work fatigue and the feeling of burnout. Learning to listen to our bodies as healthcare providers, from nurses and physicians to leadership, is essential. Learning and understanding our triggers can help us create a care plan for ourselves to help get us back to a baseline that will allow us to provide adequate care. When we feel run down, our patients, unfortunately, will feel it, and while it is not intentional to provide inadequate care because we feel run down, our patients should not have to endure substandard care.