2 answers
Delaney
Student
Harrison, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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How would you go about burnout within your job after you have been working for 10+ years?
I am currently a nursing student and I'm excited to work however I'm scared of burnout within my job due to do the difficult schedules that nurses have. #Spring26
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2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
It is wise to plan for how to minimize the risks of burnout in any healthcare field, as burnout is all too common.
Start by assuring you focus on your own health. Eat healthy food. Get enough sleep and exercise. Make time for socialization and fun.
Don't be shy about talking about what is stressful or disillusioning in your work.
Remember that you cannot make all patients "better", but you can be a good listener and show compassion. Nurses often change their area of focus during their careers, in part to limit how much stress they experience. It is OK, for example, to begin in the ICU, ED, or OR, and transition to PACU or ambulatory care so there is less urgency and stress.
Some nurses even move into administrative roles or academic roles.
One should become a healthcare professional because your own core values guide you to want to help others. Keep that in mind, and take a moment to give yourself praise when you help a patient - even when that patient or their family may not be in a position to recognize or voice how you have helped.
Start by assuring you focus on your own health. Eat healthy food. Get enough sleep and exercise. Make time for socialization and fun.
Don't be shy about talking about what is stressful or disillusioning in your work.
Remember that you cannot make all patients "better", but you can be a good listener and show compassion. Nurses often change their area of focus during their careers, in part to limit how much stress they experience. It is OK, for example, to begin in the ICU, ED, or OR, and transition to PACU or ambulatory care so there is less urgency and stress.
Some nurses even move into administrative roles or academic roles.
One should become a healthcare professional because your own core values guide you to want to help others. Keep that in mind, and take a moment to give yourself praise when you help a patient - even when that patient or their family may not be in a position to recognize or voice how you have helped.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
123
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Good question! Burn out is a hazard in every aspect of Healthcare. It's important to keep a healthy work- life balance and dedicated time for self care. There will be days and weeks where that's not possible , no matter the job, because that is life! With regard to nursing, the area in which you choose to serve can help. Clinics and physician offices often have a less hectic schedule, but again, there will be crazy days. Some hospital schedules allow three 12 hour days to equal full-time, so if you are good with that there's a better opportunity for balance.
Health care is a much needed, difficult, rewarding field, so best to you!
Health care is a much needed, difficult, rewarding field, so best to you!