A day in the life of a nurse is intense, with life and death-situations weighing on split-second decisions. In such a high-stakes environment, burnout and mental health can often be overshadowed by the pressing demands of patient care. If you feel as if your mental health is spiraling as a result of this constant stress, you’re not alone. Many nurses can attest that finding a balance between work and personal life is more than challenging.

Self Awareness Is Key

Understand that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or stressed. Accepting your feelings instead of fighting them is the first step. Keeping a journal can be a helpful way to recognize patterns or triggers in your day-to-day life. Are there specific days that are more taxing than others? Is your burnout coming from the culture and morale of your unit or your current role? Do you feel stuck in your career? Asking yourself these difficult questions can help shed light on the source of the burnout that you’ve been experiencing.

Are You Setting Boundaries?

It might be tempting to always say ‘yes’ to an extra shift or bring work home. Trust me, I’ve been there. Though you may feel guilty for not being available to your coworkers, it’s essential for you to set boundaries for the sake of your mental health. Let your supervisors and coworkers know that you have limits. More importantly, allow yourself to truly ‘switch off’ during your personal time.

Don’t Be Afraid To Prioritize Your Mental Health

Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma surrounding mental health. Because of this, many nurses and other healthcare workers are afraid to speak up about it. However, you are not just a nurse; you are human. Being a nurse is unique in that you are constantly exposed to traumatic events without being given the chance to decompress. This can have a long-term psychological impact. If you find yourself bearing the weight of the emotional triggers that come with this career, seek help. Re-evaluate your specialty and decide if a different unit or role would be right for you.

Have A Life Outside Of Nursing

Yes, nursing is a noble and selfless profession. But you can’t allow yourself to become lost in the world of healthcare. Just as you would schedule a patient’s medication, schedule time for yourself–and stick to it! It could be a short walk, a yoga session, or a visit to your favorite coffee shop. Who were you before you became a nurse? How can you get back to that person?

If you find that your job is taking over your life, regardless of the profession, it may be time to take a step back. Life is too short. Luckily, nursing is such a vast profession that there are numerous options for us to choose from. Check out my other post for ideas on work-from-home jobs for nurses. Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!