Bedside nursing can be just as rewarding as it is challenging. Providing compassionate care to patients and their families while juggling complex tasks and working long hours is no small feat. However, despite our dedication to our patients, we need to prioritize our mental and emotional health. Burnout, unfortunately, is a genuine concern in nursing, but with the right strategies, we can still thrive in this career. So, how can we survive bedside nursing without burning out?

Understanding Burnout In Bedside Nursing:

What exactly is burnout? Have you found yourself dreading your shifts days before they even start? Chances are, you’re probably burned out. Nurse burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to stress and overwhelming workloads. It can lead to decreased satisfaction in your job and personal life, apathy towards patients, reduced quality of patient care, and even decreased physical and mental health.

Physical Symptoms

• Chronic fatigue, insomnia, frequent headaches, muscle pain, and changes in appetite or weight are common physical signs of burnout.

Emotional Symptoms

• Feelings of detachment, numbness, cynicism, and a sense of hopelessness. It may also include feelings of reduced personal accomplishment.

Mental Symptoms

• Decreased concentration, impaired decision-making, forgetfulness, and a sense of perpetual negativity or pessimism are mental signs of burnout.

Determining Burnout From Bedside Nursing

1. Self Assessment: Reflect on your feelings towards your job. Are you constantly overwhelmed, disillusioned, or detached from your work and patients?
2. Physical Health Check: Monitor your physical health. Are you having unexplained ailments like constant exhaustion or frequent illnesses?
3. Mood and Attitude Analysis: Do you feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual?
4. Feedback from Coworkers: Sometimes, your coworkers might notice changes in your behavior or performance before you do. If you feel comfortable, openly discuss these changes with trusted coworkers or supervisors.
5. Work-life balance: Are you unable to disconnect from work? Is bedside nursing negatively affecting your personal life or relationships?
6. Professional Fulfillment: Reflect on the parts of your job that you used to enjoy. Have these feelings changed or diminished?
7. Job Satisfaction: Have you lost pride in your work? Do you dread clocking in?
8. Patient Care: Are you indifferent or impatient with your patients?

How Can We Handle Burnout in Bedside Nursing?

1. Self-Care Is Not Selfish:

Let’s get personal for a moment. As nurses, we often put others’ needs before our own. This is especially true for nurses with families and/or aging parents. While this is a noble trait, it can lead to burnout if its not balanced. Prioritize self-care without guilt. Take breaks, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an act of self-preservation.

2. Cultivate Your Connections:

Nursing can be isolating, especially during challenging shifts. Do you have any colleagues or friends that you can trust? Reach out to them for emotional support and connection! Even though it’s hard to open up, sharing experiences and lending a listening ear can lighten the emotional load. Having a sense of community with coworkers and peers can make even the most difficult units manageable.

3. Learn To Say No:

Remember that saying no is okay when you’re stretched too thin. As nurses, we are prone to systems that take advantage of our helpful nature. Overcommitting can lead to burnout, so set boundaries and communicate your limitations with your coworkers. If you don’t feel heard, escalate it! Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, seek help when needed, and don’t feel bad about it.

4. Celebrate Small Wins:

Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each patient’s smile, successful procedure, or comforting conversation is a win. Embrace these moments to remind yourself that everything that you do is valuable.

5. Continuous Learning In Bedside Nursing:

I believe that continuing your education is so important. At the end of the day, it feels good to know that you have options outside of bedside nursing. With an advanced degree, you gain the flexibility to supplement bedside nursing with a less demanding specialty.

6. Reflect and Reevaluate:

Periodically reflect on your nursing journey. Assess your career goals and personal aspirations. Are you on the path you envisioned? If not, consider adjustments that align with your passions and values. Also, ask yourself if you are truly happy with where you are at in your career—are you just going through the motions? Luckily, there are many alternatives to bedside nursing. Some nurses are burned out simply because they are unhappy with their specialty.

7. Advocate for Nurse Well-Being:

Be an advocate for nurse well-being in your workplace. Encourage open dialogue about burnout, staffing concerns, and mental health support. Collective efforts can lead to positive changes in the healthcare environment. Although speaking up is quite intimidating, change is only possible when we speak up!

What If It’s Too Late?

So you’ve switched specialties, taken time off, and sought help from your peers, and you’re still tired of bedside nursing or the entire profession. First, know that it’s okay. Wanting to move on to a different career does not make you a failure or a sell-out. Luckily, your bedside nursing skills will open doors to non-clinical roles in the healthcare industry. Here are two unique examples:

Biotechnology

Many nurses have opted to switch from bedside nursing to biotechnology. To bridge the gap, you can start by seeking roles in clinical research, healthcare technology companies, or pharmaceutical companies. From there, you can gain valuable experience without having to obtain an additional degree. If you are motivated, you could also pursue an online certification related to biotechnology to show employers that you’re serious.

Pharmaceuticals

Outside of sales, you can leverage your nursing experience for a lucrative role as a regulatory affairs specialist, medical information specialist, nurse research coordinator, or clinical trial coordinator. Obtaining one of these roles is possible with a bit of persistence. Joining professional organizations such as the Drug Information Association (DIA) or the Americal Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) can open doors to networking opportunities. Tailoring your resume to focus on your transferrable skills is a MUST. You can also contact a life science recruitment agency or pharmaceutical/biotech recruitment agency for guidance into one of these roles.

Medical Aesthetics

If you are more of an entrepreneur, medical aesthetics is a lucrative and in-demand specialty for nurses. In order to make your resume stand out, specialized training in botox injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and other non-surgical cosmetics procedures is a plus. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery can also provide valuable connections and resources on where to obtain your certifications/training. Additionally, some medispas offer on-the-job training as well.

These are all great options to consider if you feel stuck but don’t want to waste your degree. With a bit of time and persistence, it is possible for you to break into one of these roles.

At The End Of The Day…

Surviving bedside nursing without getting burned out definitely requires a personal commitment to self-care. It’s important to acknowledge that you are not immune to the strain and demanding responsibilities that come with being a nurse. By implementing these strategies, you can thrive in your career while preserving your well-being.