Content Updated 10/10/2024
Nurses, as highly esteemed healthcare community members, face unique challenges in balancing their personal lives with the demands of their compassionate and caring profession.
East Ohio College, recognizing the crucial role of nurses in maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives, has curated a list of five tips to assist nurses in achieving work-life balance. This balance not only benefits the nurses themselves but also ensures the well-being of their patients.
Why Is Work-Life Balance Important For Nurses?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is especially true for nurses. Nurses are compassionate and selfless people who often put the needs of others above their own.
Nurses must have an excellent work-life balance to prevent burnout, mental health issues, and the major health concerns the stress of being overworked can cause. The risk of nurses experiencing burnout is exceptionally high. According to a survey conducted by Nursing World, 62% of nurses experience burnout at some point in their careers. Nurses can avoid feelings of burnout, stress, and mental health issues by maintaining some divide between their work life and home life.
1. Optimize Your Work Schedule
One of the things that draws many people to a healthcare career is the schedule. Most positions in hospitals and medical centers work twelve-hour shifts, meaning you can work full-time without working the typical Monday through Friday schedule. Although the length of the shift may be longer, you can have more days off throughout the week to recuperate.
For those working the 12-hour shift, three days a week, try to optimize your hours by scheduling your working days together. This will allow you a longer break between working days to relax, take time for yourself, and return to work feeling refreshed and prepared to care for your patients.
2. Develop A Strong Support Network
Having people you can rely on to help you when you are feeling down can make all the difference in your nursing career—leaning on your friends and family can help you with personal growth and self-care and provide you with social experiences outside work. Likewise, having a professional network can help you connect with other nurses who understand your career and provide emotional support on tough days.
3. Do What Brings You Joy
Another way to manage your work-life balance is to ensure you are partaking in things that bring you joy outside of work. For example, perhaps you enjoy reading but haven’t set aside time to pick up a new book. Whatever your hobby, dedicating some time to do something you look forward to can help you slow down, decompress, and feel more in control of your personal life.
4. Make Time For Self-Care
Self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity, especially for busy nurses. Incorporating self-care activities into your routine can significantly improve your mental health and help alleviate work-related stress. Whether it’s journaling, exercising, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a nap, self-care should be a non-negotional part of your day.
5. Take Care Of Your Body
Nursing can be a physically demanding career, so it is crucial to care for your body so it will function properly. Switching from fast, easy food options to nutritious meals can help improve body function and boost energy. Preparing meals in advance is a great way to ensure you are making healthy choices while at work. Additionally, it is vital to ensure you stay hydrated while working and at home. The average adult needs four to six cups of water daily, and your body could require even more when you are active.
Exercise is another excellent way to ensure you are taking care of your body. Spending some time doing an activity you enjoy is a great way to keep your body functioning well and relieve stress!
Do You See Yourself As A Nurse?
Nurses play an important role in the lives of many, and helping to maintain a balanced personal and professional life can help them provide the best care possible for their patients. If you can see yourself working as a nurse, get started today in East Ohio College’s Nursing program! Contact our nursing admissions team to take the first step today by Requesting Information.