Nurses: Modern Martyrs

Nursing is not for the faint of heart. We regularly work 12 hour shifts, something not common to other professions. We walk for miles every shift, deal with verbal and physical abuse, and spend Christmas and other major holidays working.

And we’re not even one of the highest paid professions. So why do we do it? That’s a great question, and it will be different for each nurse. But most of us do it because we are called to the healer mentality. We see a sick person and we want to help them. It’s this deep calling to do good. We want to end suffering and be a source of comfort for people looking for it.

But does this mean that we should take the other parts of nursing as-is? Should we be paid lower than other professions because we feel a moral obligation to our job? It’s a hot topic.

Let’s jump it. And if you’re ready to leave the martyr lifestyle behind, check out the the Writer’s Academy. Or, join us on the Nursing Now Podcast.

We Don’t Need to Sacrifice Ourselves

We don’t have to sacrifice our personal wellbeing to help other people achieve wellness. It should be common sense, but it’s not for so many people. Nurses don’t have to give their “all” to every single patient. Am I asking nurses to

not give exceptional patient care? No, of course not.

I’m saying that every nurse deserves the ability to check in with themselves throughout the shift and take breaks as needed. When a mental load becomes too much to bear, they should be able to take a day off and get counseling. If a patient is too heavy, they shouldn’t be rushed to lift that patient. They should all have the tools to do their jobs. Because with the right tools we can create a safe environment for our nurses to work in that also focuses on our patients.

There's this misconception that patient-centered care has no room for anyone else in the center. But I argue that the wellbeing of the caretakers should also have space in the middle. We are only as good as our mental judgment to make sound decisions. If we work our nurses to the bones and a shell is left at the bedside, is that actually helping or hurting our patients? I think it’s hurting them.

Its Okay to Take a Break

If you feel like your body needs a break, take one. You’re a human, not a machine. And it doesn’t have to be a physical break. If your mental health is slipping, take the time to process and heal. Do not sacrifice your health for others. You’re a nurse, not a martyr.

We Can Help in Different Ways

The bedside isn’t the only way we can help patients. In fact, it may not even be the most efficient way to help patients. If you’re burned out, anxious, or depressed, you can’t provide the best care for your patients. You have to fill your own cup first.

Nontraditional nursing roles are a great way to give back to patients without

sacrificing your wellbeing. Nursing writing lets you reach the lives of thousands. You can write patient education brochures, create documents for drug approval, or craft continuing education materials for other clinicians. Bedside nursing isn’t the only way you can help people.

We are Still Nurses

Choosing a life away from the bedside doesn’t make us less of a nurse. Nursing isn’t a competition. It’s a job you can perform in any role you’d like. In some ways, you’re supporting your patients and nurses more than if you were physically there.

When nurses don’t have the time to explain patient conditions on a busy floor, they can print out your evidence-based blogs. If clinicians are learning about a new advancement in biotech, they can read your news article. Your support can directly impact clinical decisions and client outcomes.

Summary

Martyrdom is never rewarded in nursing. You will not receive any bonuses or raises for taking more patients. You won’t be awarded anything for never taking a day off. And there’s no glory in bragging rights if you’ve thrown your back out and your chronic stress has turned into depression and burnout.

If you’re looking for a way out of the toxic martyr mindset, I can help. If you're ready to take the leap, check out the the Writer’s Academy. Or, join us on the Nursing Now Podcast.