Nursing is a noble and rewarding profession. You are called to this profession and have dedicated yourself to caring for others. The nursing profession requires commitment, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to patient care.
Nurses work long shifts, often with limited breaks, which puts immense strain on your physical and mental health. The stress of making critical decisions, dealing with life-or-death situations, and the emotional toll of witnessing suffering can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. Most every direct care nurse has experienced this to some capacity over the past several years. Because of this, it is critical that you focus on your health and well-being, both personally and professionally.
Personal and Professional Development
Personal well-being encompasses various aspects of life, including your physical overall health, emotional state and mental wellbeing, and social relationships. Neglecting personal well-being can also negatively impact your professional performance and occupational health, leading to reduced effectiveness, job stress and potentially even compromising patient care.
True professional responsibilities include engaging in self-care practices, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and seeking support from friends, family, and colleagues are essential for promoting personal well-being.
The Focus of Professional Wellbeing
Professional wellbeing focuses on the aspects directly related to the nursing role and work environment. It involves factors such as job satisfaction, access to resources, opportunities for career growth, and mental well-being through self-advocacy. Involvement in decisions that affect your professional practice is an integral part of professional well-being. Nurses who experience professional well-being are more likely to have lower stress levels, feel motivated, engaged, and fulfilled in their roles, contributing to better patient outcomes and overall healthcare system effectiveness.
Success in Nursing Lies in Striking a Balance
The key to success in nursing lies in striking a balance between professional well-being and one’s personal life. As nurses, you care for others, but you must also prioritize caring for yourself. Several challenges can make it difficult for nurses to achieve a harmonious balance between personal life and professional well-being.
One of the primary challenges many of you are feeling is the shortage of nursing staff which leads to increased workloads and higher stress levels. The lack of resources impedes your ability to cope with the demands of your job leading to many factors including sickness, absence, and low job satisfaction.
Acquiring additional staffing resources is definitely needed, but not something that is likely within your locus of control. Consider what is in your locus of control to help minimize the effects of scarce resources. Enhance your personal and professional well-being by prioritizing your work-life balance and self-care practices, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work to help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
Social Support Network
Build a social support network. This is crucial for nurses. Engaging in regular peer support sessions, seeking mentorship, and sharing experiences with colleagues can provide emotional solace and foster a sense of community.
Establishing clear boundaries between personal and professional life can help prevent burnout. Nurses should learn to say no when necessary and avoid overcommitting to work-related responsibilities outside regular working hours.
Nourish your professional development. Ongoing education and career development can boost professional well-being. Opportunities for advancement and skill enhancement can renew your sense of purpose and commitment to the profession.
Organizational Support
Organizational Support is an important piece of the puzzle. Healthcare institutions play a vital role in fostering the well-being of their nursing staff. By acknowledging the challenges nurses face and implementing supportive policies, organizations can promote a healthier work environment. These may include providing access to counseling services, offering flexible scheduling options, and recognizing and rewarding nurses for their dedication. Check with your organization to see what they offer. Many organizations have ramped up their wellness programs, but often employees are not fully aware of all the benefits they can take advantage of to improve their personal and professional wellness.
Final Thoughts
Nursing is a profession that demands a delicate balancing act between personal and professional well-being. By nurturing both personal and professional well-being, nurses can continue to provide exceptional care to patients while also safeguarding their own health and fulfillment in their noble profession.
Tina Martin DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Tina is passionate about cultivating relationships to improve the caregiver experience. The lessons and tools provided by CHCM Relationship Based Care not only support the client-caregiver relationship but can also be applied in all aspects of life. Engaged and thriving caregivers result in improve patient outcomes. Tina’s experience in organizational assessment, strategic planning, and outcomes will help provide clients with a blueprint for success.
