Nursing is a demanding profession. They have to work long-hour shifts and handle emergency cases with due diligence and care. At the same time, nurses have to fulfill their responsibilities at home.
Of all the professions in the world, nursing is one of the most challenging jobs. It requires emotional, mental, and physical endurance to make it through the 12-hour shifts.
It becomes too overwhelming, especially when everyone at work and home vies for their attention.
Nurses find it challenging to manage work-life balance due to the nature of their profession. They are always expected to put their patients’ needs first.
Fatigue and exhaustion set in, leading to depression, anxiety, and burnout. Therefore, nurses must take some time out to perform better at work and in their personal lives.
- Prioritize Tasks
Have you always wanted to pursue higher education, but your hectic schedule at work doesn’t allow you? Are you a travel enthusiast? Do you like spending more time with your loved ones?
If the answer is yes, it is essential to ask yourself these questions and identify your top-most priority.
If seeking higher education is your dream, you should break from your career and fulfill your dream.
Get yourself registered in a nursing administration master’s degree program to pursue higher studies without wasting time.
Set priorities and principles. Take out some time from your daily routine to achieve your dreams. When you prioritize tasks, you become stress-free and relaxed.
- Stay Active and Healthy
Being a nurse means you are on your toes all the time. You have to be vigilant, dutiful, and responsible towards your patients.
One act of carelessness can cost a life. Nurses, therefore, are the first people to neglect their personal needs. They would go the extra mile to save their patients while compromising their health needs.
To save lives and nurse them back to health, nurses should take care of themselves first. When nurses invest in personal care, they can serve much better.
Standing all day and running around the hospital is different from a 30-minute brisk walk in the park. Most nurses believe that their routine life already involves physical activity, and therefore, they don’t need to go to the gym to stay in shape.
When you invest time in physical exercises, you strengthen your muscles and increase your stamina.
It is also essential to eat a well-balanced diet. Keep a check on the number of calories you consume. Don’t fill your stomach with trash and junk food. Always look at the nutritional benefits the food is going to bring you.
Make a diet chart and stick to it. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Seek Help
There is never a dull day in a nurse’s life. Every day is full of responsibilities and challenges. If the work at the hospital becomes too demanding, ask for help from your manager.
Communicate your problem to him. The manager will likely appoint a helper for you or reduce the number of shift hours.
If there are fewer nurses during your shift and you feel overwhelmed with the amount of work, speak up.
Ask your manager to provide you with adequate support. There is no harm in seeking help. If you are in a senior position, then delegate tasks.
Similarly, at home, divide the chores among you and your partner. Hire a maid to clean utensils and cook meals. Remember, you have no superpower, and you need a break too.
- Have a Mentor
Are you facing a lot of problems at work? Seek a mentor’s help. Tapping into your mentor’s tips can give new insights and inspire you to achieve work-life balance.
Sometimes all you need is a break from the routine tasks. Explore new horizons and ask your mentor to guide you.
In addition, there are plenty of courses available online that can contribute to your professional growth.
- Build a Support Network
Keep a positive environment at the workplace. Maintain professional relationships in a dignified manner. Create a network of supportive people who can come to your rescue any time you want.
Since a nursing job requires long shift hours, you would spend most of your time at the hospital. Relationship strains at work can negatively affect your performance.
Resolve any conflict with professionalism. Talk to your colleague and address the issue there and then.
Never bring your work-related problems home. Patients are usually there on your mind long after your work shift is over.
Don’t drag the conflict to the next day, as it will put a drain on your emotions. It will take a toll on your personal life as well.
- Break Your Routine
To avoid burnout, occupy yourself with activities that you thoroughly enjoy. Reading books, playing games, spending time with your loved ones, or hanging out with friends, could be anything.
The monotonous routine of going to work and doing long shift hours can be taxing. One of the most effective tips to remain stress-free is changing your routine to make you feel energized and rejuvenated.
- Be Realistic
Consider work shifts that you can easily handle and your personal life demands. Committing yourself to long work hours when you have a demanding toddler at home can be taxing.
Some nurses like to work during the night shift to stay at home during the day with their kids. It is also possible that you are more productive in the morning hours and would like to be at work. Talk to your manager and make a realistic schedule where you can manage both your personal and professional life.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect work-life balance can be challenging for anyone. Nurses face more challenges as their job is more demanding.
By practicing time management, nurses can find more time for their personal needs. They can deal with their patients more efficiently and responsibly.
Engaging in healthy activities, taking time to rejuvenate and relax, seeking help, and pursuing higher education are ways to break the routine and create a work-life balance.
Photo by Patty Brito on Unsplash
