You learn a lot of things in nursing school like care plans, nursing assessments, prioritization, Pharmacology and even the proper way to make a bed. Even though all of those are important lessons, one they don’t teach you in school is how to prevent nurse burnout!
You may be thinking to yourself, “burnout? Not me!” After years working as a nurse, you may start to feel run down. Before you panic, this is completely normal! There are certain things you can do to combat and prevent nurse burnout!
Take Breaks
When you get the chance to take a break, take it! Leave your unit for 30 minutes, go outside for fresh air, or just sit and close your eyes. Whatever you find makes you the most relaxed, make sure to do it as much as possible.
Healthy Snacks
It’s hard to eat healthy when your coworkers are picking up french fries and cookies from the cafeteria, but fueling your body with the right snacks will only help you feel and perform better!
Ask For Help
If you’re struggling to keep up with your work, don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you need to, delegate tasks to others and return the favor when you can!
Exercise
As a nurse, you know all about the incredible benefits of exercising. How many times do you tell your patient to get active? Do you follow your own advice? Exercises as simple as walking or practicing yoga can have a great effect on your mental health.
Pamper Yourself
Need a haircut? A massage? Pick up your phone and make that appointment! Invest in yourself and your mental health will thank you!
Talk About It
You may be afraid to put your stress and worry on someone else, but that’s what family and friends are for. Talk to your coworkers, friends and family about how you’re feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to any of those people, consider talking to a therapist.
Mental health, especially in the nursing field, is extremely important. You should never feel defeated if you start to feel burnout; it’s normal when you’re working somewhere for an extended amount of time. Put yourself first and watch that burnout be a thing of the past!
