Nurses are an integral component of a service delivery system that is always working around the clock. This indicates that many of these professionals have trouble striking a good balance between their personal and professional lives. As a matter of fact, a recent survey revealed that more than 72% of nurses reported having a really poor work-life balance, which unintentionally affects the caliber of healthcare they can provide. These numbers point to a serious problem that has to be addressed right away by everyone.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, nurses have been required to work on the front lines, putting their own safety and well-being in danger while working additional shifts to provide the finest medical care possible. The global outbreak and its effects have increased the occupational pressure nurses face daily.
There are some things nurses can do on their own to make things better, even while policymakers and the administration of healthcare institutions are making efforts in this direction. Here are some suggestions for nurses to improve their balance between work and personal life and guarantee that their general life happiness also rises:
Work-Life Balance for Nurses
If you are planning to study, you better take it online
One of the great benefits of technology is that it has made life much simpler and more convenient for everyone. As a nurse who is already finding it hard to make time, you may be putting off upskilling yourself with a degree because of your tough schedule.
Thankfully, you now have the opportunity to pursue your studies online, which gives you the flexibility to study on your own schedule. For instance, if you are already a graduate, you can enroll for a post master’s certificate nurse practitioner online and upgrade your qualification while working.
There are some things you can’t change; let them go
The field of nursing is rewarding but demanding at the same time. There may be many issues with it, such as being continuously exposed to fatalities and trauma, prolonged work hours, and overtime, to name a few; yet, a nurse has limited control over these issues.
There are occasions when nurses can speak up, but in the end, the choice is determined by a number of factors outside of their control. It is essential to develop coping techniques because these issues are an inevitable consequence of working as a nurse and should be acknowledged as such.
Find a nursing strategy that works for you. It can involve speaking with a family member, a friend who is close to you, or perhaps a therapist. Don’t criticize yourself if you cry and tell a professional about your emotions. Suppressing these emotions might worsen the stress until you are eventually powerless to stop
Extreme rage, frustration, and tension are the reactions when you burst. Not to mention the effects these triggers have on your capacity to complete the crucial work at hand. It is essential for nurses to occasionally express their emotions because they tend to carry enormous loads. After all, empathy is in their nature.
Make your emotional health a priority
Although nurses are keenly mindful of their obligation to provide patients with holistic care, they frequently fail to put their own needs first. If you identify with this group, it may be time to rearrange your objectives so your physical, mental, and emotional well-being comes first. There is no reproach in this because neglecting your physical and mental demands might eventually have negative effects.
You’ll find that you can have greater motivation to make sure you provide for other patients and interact with those you love if you occasionally put yourself first. You must establish healthy boundaries if you want to keep your emotions in check. Whenever you’re ready to leave work, let go of the stress you’ve been holding inside all day. Despite the temptation to replay distressing memories in your head, concentrate on other aspects of your life.
Don’t complicate your life in any way
It’s about dealing with issues that are out of your control again. Nursing is difficult and keeps you busy on its own, but you also have other responsibilities that require your attention. Many nurses also care for their children, aging parents, or other relatives. While it might seem like an unachievable dream, simplicity is possible.
You can take steps to create a greater sense of calm while reducing uncertainty in your professional and personal lives. Find ways to introduce behaviors that will make what you do at work simpler. You can use software and apps at work to track and connect with your patients and manage time in your private life.
All these actions ultimately work in your favor by enabling you to stay rested and provide your patients with the care they need.
Take steps for more effective time management
This one might make your forehead wrinkled if you’re a nurse. There aren’t many options available for nurses because of the long shifts and ongoing overtime requirements. Given how busy your professional life is, how are you going to manage your time? Your reasoning is valid, yet there’s always a way out wherever there is a will. Several of the following are helpful:
- Gather your friends and family to talk about expectations. Most crucial, be sure to express your capacity to participate and fulfill your commitment with regard to time in a clear and concise manner.
- Make time for routines that refresh both your body and mind by splitting your time up, even if it’s just for something little like going for a stroll in the neighborhood park or enjoying a particular evening each month with a partner. Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing something calming, such as reading, yoga, meditation, or healthy eating.
- Even if it could be difficult, try not to overstate yourself at work. Set boundaries with patients and, on occasion, even with coworkers. Although certain patients and their companions may expect more of you, they know you also have many other individuals to care for. If necessary, end a conversation quickly while remaining sympathetic with your justification.
Conclusion
Without the nurses who lay the groundwork for our healthcare system, everything may come to a screeching halt. There is still quite some distance to go, even though attempts will continue to help make their lives simpler. Therefore, as these changes occur, you, as a nurse, can act independently to simplify and improve the quality of your life. Even if it might involve a little extra work, the outcomes are all worthwhile.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.