You're a nurse feeling emotionally drained. How can you still show empathy and compassion for patients?

You can render services only if you are fit to do so. Prioritize self care as it's important to keep you active on your feet.

Just as the saying goes, you cannot give what you don't have. A key factor to providing efficient and effective healthcare to patients as a nurse is your health. The healthier you are, the healthier you make your patients and vice-versa.

Set boundaries, learn to say no and delegate tasks when necessary to avoid overextending yourself. Maintain work and life balance

The importance of setting clear boundaries as a nurse cannot be overemphasized. This is very pertinent and crucial, especially in healthcare facilities experiencing staff shortage & turnovers. Learn to say no when necessary. It would be beneficial to you as a nurse, your patient and the facility as there would be reduced risks of errors/mistakes.

The goal of every hero in a nurses uniform is to be a source of hope to patients and to bring smiles to their ailing faces. Reflecting on these goals prior to commencing patient care can help you, even on your not so good days to connect with your patient, be empathetic and render the adequate care required.

Mindfulness is a technique that has become part of modern nursing. Numerous studies demonstrate its benefits for both healthcare professionals and work teams. I recommend the creation of mindfulness groups that practice mindfulness exercises before starting the workday. This practice not only reduces stress and compassion fatigue but also improves accuracy and decreases errors. Additionally, it strengthens interpersonal relationships and enhances the quality of care we provide to our patients. Incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine is a science-backed strategy to optimize performance and well-being in the workplace.

A problem shared is half-solved. Having friends, colleagues or peer groups to express your feelings, emotions, and ordeals with, helps lift the emotional burden and grants relief, even if they are not able to profer a substantial solution.

Small actions, like a warm smile, gentle touch, or kind words, can convey empathy and compassion. Remember details about your patients and address them by name to make them feel valued.

One thing that helps is the understanding that we owe this people and obligation of duty, even in our worst moments they expect more from us, they're not seeing what go through on our daily lives neither do they have a knowledge of it...... And more-over our little show of empathy goes a long way in reassuring them even in their situation

Sometimes you can't show empathy and compassion for patients when you are emotionally drained. burnout and compassion fatigue are real. When it comes down to it, know that it is okay to leave! Especially if you are not receiving the support you need and deserve!

Taking breaks effectively is crucial for recharging your emotional and mental energy. Use your breaks to step away from the work environment, even if just for a few minutes, to engage in activities that help you relax and reset, such as deep breathing, stretching, or taking a short walk. These moments of respite can provide a much-needed mental reset, enabling you to return to your patients with renewed focus and empathy. Prioritizing these breaks throughout your shift can significantly improve your ability to provide compassionate care despite feeling emotionally drained.