6 answers
Merryn
Student
Kingston, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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Is it difficult to manage burnout when working in high-stress environments such as the ER or other critical care centers What is the most crucial aspect of supporting your personal health while simultaneously caring for others? #Fall26?
What are common non-negotiable practices for registered nurses to manage their own mental and physical health both on and off the clock?
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6 answers
Srinivas Rao Routhu
Business Consultant
40
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
Yes, burnout is very common in high‑stress environments like the ER or critical‑care centers because of constant emergencies, long shifts, and emotional intensity. To protect yourself while caring for others, focus on:
Guarding your rest and boundaries (enough sleep, saying no when exhausted).
Using support systems (trusted colleagues, debriefs, counseling if available).
Practicing small, daily self‑care (short breaks, breathing, checking in with yourself).
Putting your well‑being first is not selfish—it’s how you stay strong enough to care for others over time.
Guarding your rest and boundaries (enough sleep, saying no when exhausted).
Using support systems (trusted colleagues, debriefs, counseling if available).
Practicing small, daily self‑care (short breaks, breathing, checking in with yourself).
Putting your well‑being first is not selfish—it’s how you stay strong enough to care for others over time.
Ursa Pejovnik
HR Director
5
Answers
Prague, Czechia
Updated
Ursa’s Answer
Dealing with burnout is a big topic in all workplaces, and it can happen even in less stressful jobs. It's important to find something that helps you feel better and regain your energy. I believe in eating healthy, getting enough sleep, enjoying time with friends and family, or even just watching Netflix all day from time to time when the energy level is really low. Find what works best for you, and take the time to discover it. Once you know what helps, stick with it, even on easy days. Being consistent is important for long-term success.
Madhan Manoharan
Sales Processing Analyst
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Madhan’s Answer
Hi Merryn, managing burnout in a high-stress environment is tough, but remember, you're saving lives. This thought can help you push your limits. It's also important to take care of your physical and mental health because you need to be well to help others. Try practicing mindfulness to keep your mind balanced. Make time for jogging or going to the gym, watch your diet, and have regular health check-ups to monitor your physical health. Starting these practices might be hard, but once you get into a routine, it will become easier.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Merryn,
This is such an important question, and a very real one. Not only is burnout "possible" in high-stress settings like the emergency room, but many nurses experience it at some point. The main distinction, though, is how people deal with it early on rather than waiting until they're already overburdened.
Treating your health as a non-negotiable, non-optional priority is the most important part of safeguarding yoaur health while taking care of others. It's simple to keep pushing and neglect your own needs in hectic environments, but nurses who create self-defence mechanisms are the ones who endure and prosper.
Some common “non-negotiables” many nurses rely on include:
1. Boundaries around rest: The basis is sleep. Making rest a priority after long or demanding shifts is recuperation, not a luxury. As much as your schedule permits, regular sleep schedules can help prevent chronic fatigue.
2. Emotional processing: You encounter difficult circumstances on a regular basis. Emotions don't build up over time if you have a mechanism to handle them, whether it's journaling, talking to a trusted coworker, or relaxing after shifts.
3. Physical care: People underestimate the importance of basic habits like eating healthily, exercising, and drinking enough water. Ignoring the basics in high-stress jobs quickly results in burnout.
4. Clear work–life separation: After shifts, developing a mental "switch-off" practice can be helpful. Your brain can be informed that the shift is over by anything as basic as taking a little stroll, listening to music, or developing a regular routine after work.
5. Support system: Having friends, family, or coworkers who are supportive of your profession makes a big difference. You don't have to handle everything by yourself.
6. Knowing your limits: One of the hardest yet essential skills is being able to spot burnout early on and take appropriate action, such as asking for time off, adjusting your workload, or getting help.
The reality is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Being a good nurse and taking care of oneself go hand in hand. You won't only survive if you enter settings like the emergency room with this mindset early on; with time, you'll develop a meaningful and sustainable career.
Best wishes!
This is such an important question, and a very real one. Not only is burnout "possible" in high-stress settings like the emergency room, but many nurses experience it at some point. The main distinction, though, is how people deal with it early on rather than waiting until they're already overburdened.
Treating your health as a non-negotiable, non-optional priority is the most important part of safeguarding yoaur health while taking care of others. It's simple to keep pushing and neglect your own needs in hectic environments, but nurses who create self-defence mechanisms are the ones who endure and prosper.
Some common “non-negotiables” many nurses rely on include:
1. Boundaries around rest: The basis is sleep. Making rest a priority after long or demanding shifts is recuperation, not a luxury. As much as your schedule permits, regular sleep schedules can help prevent chronic fatigue.
2. Emotional processing: You encounter difficult circumstances on a regular basis. Emotions don't build up over time if you have a mechanism to handle them, whether it's journaling, talking to a trusted coworker, or relaxing after shifts.
3. Physical care: People underestimate the importance of basic habits like eating healthily, exercising, and drinking enough water. Ignoring the basics in high-stress jobs quickly results in burnout.
4. Clear work–life separation: After shifts, developing a mental "switch-off" practice can be helpful. Your brain can be informed that the shift is over by anything as basic as taking a little stroll, listening to music, or developing a regular routine after work.
5. Support system: Having friends, family, or coworkers who are supportive of your profession makes a big difference. You don't have to handle everything by yourself.
6. Knowing your limits: One of the hardest yet essential skills is being able to spot burnout early on and take appropriate action, such as asking for time off, adjusting your workload, or getting help.
The reality is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Being a good nurse and taking care of oneself go hand in hand. You won't only survive if you enter settings like the emergency room with this mindset early on; with time, you'll develop a meaningful and sustainable career.
Best wishes!
Janice French
Director Network Mgmt
5
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Janice’s Answer
Hello
Former ER employee here.
I agree with all of the above suggestions. I would add that routine is very important, but can be difficult with twelve-hour shifts and "random" schedule changes.
Being as consistent as you can be is key.
Find your time and schedule time for just you to do things like exercising or even just turning off your phone and reading a book. This is important for your "peace".
ER's are famous for having employees who are very close to each other outside of the unit, but that can cause issues too.
Make sure you find time to spend quality time with family and friends not associated with the ER bubble. Try to set boundaries and find a hobby or an organization that allows you to be seen as you, and not the ER staff member. Good luck!
Former ER employee here.
I agree with all of the above suggestions. I would add that routine is very important, but can be difficult with twelve-hour shifts and "random" schedule changes.
Being as consistent as you can be is key.
Find your time and schedule time for just you to do things like exercising or even just turning off your phone and reading a book. This is important for your "peace".
ER's are famous for having employees who are very close to each other outside of the unit, but that can cause issues too.
Make sure you find time to spend quality time with family and friends not associated with the ER bubble. Try to set boundaries and find a hobby or an organization that allows you to be seen as you, and not the ER staff member. Good luck!
Martin Schoen
APRN
400
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Burnout is something we all get at one time or another. The only way I know to deal with it, is that you have to teach yourself when not at work, to let the day's, or cycle's events go. It is hard at first, but quickly learned. Things such as entering your house and when the door shuts, it is left on 1 side. Some people use exercise immediately after work to clear their mind and get a different perspective. Others focus on a hobby or similar activity that has nothing to do with healthcare. Just remember, everyone deals with stress differently and you have to find the method that works for you.