It’s no secret that nursing can be a stressful and demanding occupation. With inconsistent work schedules, the pressures of the field, and the trauma of losing patients – it is not a job to be taken lightly. Through the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting to our “new normal,” healthcare workers have continually been on the front lines – short-staffed and often leading to burn out.
We understand that healthcare workers continue to be stressed out and stretched thin, and as employees of GrapeTree, you are our #1 priority. We know you do well with taking care of others, so let’s help you take care of you!
What is nurse burnout? Burnout is mental and physical exhaustion from chronic workplace stress. Healthcare workers can be susceptible to feeling burnt out due to the high stress environments experienced industry-wide, thus coining the term “nurse burnout.”
How burnout can play a factor.
Unfortunately, the presence of burnout in the medical field began way before the pandemic. According to an article by the Journal of the America Medical Association (JAMA), emotional exhaustion and burnout rates were already considered alarmingly high before the pandemic—the virus simply exacerbated it.
While a career in medicine can be extremely rewarding, it can be difficult to find solace in the good when you feel burnt out.
The first step towards dealing with burnout is to recognize it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout has three dimensions:
If you have feelings of exhaustion and low energy.
If you experience negative feelings toward your job.
If you feel low levels of personal accomplishment.
Admitting that you are not just tired, but emotionally and mentally exhausted is the first step to dealing with burnout and ultimately, falling in love with your line of work again.
How GrapeTree can help.
Here at GrapeTree, we see you as more than a healthcare professional. We see you as a true hero, and we wouldn’t be successful without you. That is why we are here for you 24/7. With a full-time, around the clock staff dedicated to your success, we are here to support you in any way we can. We are here to support you. All you have to do is communicate with us!
GrapeTree allows our healthcare workers to create the schedule of their dreams with per-diem shifts, local long-term assignments, and/or travel long-term assignments. This flexibility can play a huge factor in avoiding burnout and exhaustion, so you can have more time for you and your loved ones!
Find your perfect work-life balance.
As with any career, working in the healthcare field has its share of ups and downs. Like other jobs, it can be easy to lose focus of why you chose this path in the first place. Being intentional and finding ways to create a healthy work-life balance can be a helpful step to avoiding burnout and enjoying your shifts more!
Here are a few ways you can fall in love with healthcare all over again:
Recognize burnout, then fix it! → Admitting to yourself you need help is the first step to overcoming burnout and realigning your passions.
Prevent conflict → Communication is key to avoiding conflict and nurturing a positive work environment!
Keep learning → There is never a shortage of ‘new’ in the healthcare field! New shifts to pick up, facilities to work at, and of course, patients to meet!
Practice self-care → On your days off, put a pause on worrying about your patients, and start taking care of YOU.
Know the difference you are making → At the end of the day, it really is that simple: you are changing lives and what you do matters.
What you can do right now.
Take a deep breath and know you have an entire team at GrapeTree who supports you and wants to see you succeed. Know you are making a difference and have the daily opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. You chose this field for a reason: because you are passionate about helping others!
Resources that can help.
Mental Health Resources (CDC)
Mental Health Resources (MentalHealth.gov)
Find a therapist (Psychology Today)
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to connect with the SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline