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Medical professionals (nurses in particular), how do you manage work-life balance ?

High School Student (Junior)
College Bound
Pre-Med

medicine nurse doctor medical-school registered-nurses nurse-practitioner nursingschool md
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Madison’s Answer

It did not/does not always come easy. First off, let other people know if you're stressed/busy. Let them know ahead if there are better times for you than others to talk/get together etc. People will be understanding, they know you're busy and they want to be there for you. Throughout the training/studying/years, your schedule will constantly change and the way you manage it will change. Try and adapt as needed and give yourself some grace to not always do it right. Remember it may take a few different methods to find a system of organizing your life that works for you and know this will likely change as your life/career changes.

You should always carve out a schedule each week or month. Plan AHEAD! Just like any job you need to make sure you maximize your time both at work and outside of work. Try to leave work at work and then be as present at home/free time as possible. Always take time for wellness, sick time if needed, personal time, sleep, doctors visits, working out, eating, spending time with others. Try and put things on the calendar in advanced that you have to look forward to whether its something big or small each month!

Hope this helps,
Madison
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Richard’s Answer

A mentor told me that life is directed by the 3A’s of affable, ability, and availability.

In work-life, the 3A’s will create the “what-for.” Without a strong reason for a personal life, there will be no balance. The 3A’s will find avocations, reasons for meeting people, and future relationships.

A strong pull from personal life will give the impetus to find the right job and the right situation.
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Duncan’s Answer

Although I'm not a nurse, I believe one great benefit of nursing is the work-life balance. Once you finish your shift, your work is done, and you don't need to take it home. This is a big advantage compared to many office jobs, where you often have to bring work home and finish it after hours or even on weekends.
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Nicole’s Answer

It can be tricky, but it is necessary to leave work at work and be present for your family when you get home. And do not forget to have time for yourself as well - that is the best way to keep a balance between work and your private life.
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Heidi’s Answer

Hello! I am a CRNA and have worked in the medical field for almost 20 years. In my experience, work life balance if extremely important when working in a high stress environment such as the medical field. For me, I have found working a 0.8 FTE is the best for a work life balance however that was when I was doing 12hr shifts and weekends as a nurse. As a CRNA I tend to work full time but at two different facilities. The change in environment and variety of cases across the two different facilities helps me stay fresh and not burnt out. I also make a point to plan time off throughout the year because it helps to have something to look forward too. Hope this helps, best of luck!
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Aaron’s Answer

Have a routine that involves dedicated time to what you enjoy. Establish it when you get your new schedule and implement it BEFORE you start your new job so you know what to expect. If it doesn't work, change it up. But the time to enjoy and care for yourself should never be negotiated.
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Althea’s Answer

Hey Aliyah! 🌸
I love this question — it shows that you’re already thinking like a future nurse, because work-life balance is one of the most important lessons in this career.

I’ve been a nurse for over ten years now, certified in wound, ostomy, and foot care. When I was first starting out, I thought balance meant doing everything perfectly — long shifts, studying, showing up for everyone. But over time, I learned that real balance isn’t about doing it all — it’s about protecting your peace while growing your purpose.

Here are a few things that helped me:

✨ 1. Boundaries are your strength.
It’s okay to say no to extra shifts or projects sometimes. Protecting your energy keeps you compassionate and focused — and that’s what makes a truly great nurse.

🌿 2. Create small moments of peace.
For me, that means quiet mornings, music in the car, or journaling after work. Little rituals like that refill your emotional cup when work takes a lot out of you.

🤝 3. Find your people.
Nursing is intense, but you’ll meet classmates and coworkers who get it. Lean on them, and let them lean on you. Support systems are everything.

💫 4. Progress over perfection.
Some days you’ll feel like you’ve got everything together, and other days will be messy — and that’s totally fine. The goal is not perfect balance every day; it’s to make sure your purpose and your peace grow side by side.

You’re already ahead of the game just by asking this question. Keep that heart and awareness — they’ll make you the kind of nurse people remember for all the right reasons. 💛
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