Self-care for nurses can help prevent burnout, improve patient care and support nurses’ mental well-being. Some strategies include making time for enjoyable activities, trying new things, caring for your physical health and saying no when necessary.
Nurses spend much of their time and energy caring for others, but too often do not prioritize themselves. Self-care for nurses is critical to longevity in the career and overall health. In a study published in the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 66% of nurses rarely got enough sleep, nearly 72% did not regularly eat healthy foods, over 77% did not get enough exercise, and over 78% did not participate in community activities. This underscores why prioritizing self-care strategies for nurses matters.
At Northeastern University, we encourage nursing students to prioritize self-care throughout their program and beyond. Northeastern’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months. The accelerated timeline can be challenging, making self-care essential, but we provide extensive support to help you rise to meet these challenges.
Whether you’re a practicing nurse or aspiring to become one, learn how to prevent nurse burnout through self-care strategies. This guide examines the challenges nurses face and shares self-care strategies you can integrate into your routine.
What Is Burnout in Nursing?
Some stress is expected, but burnout is different. It is categorized by severe, prolonged mental and physical exhaustion, detachment, and cynicism. Causes include chronic stress, poor working conditions, lack of support, and emotionally distressing situations.
Some indicators of nurse burnout include:
- Cynicism toward your job, colleagues, or patients
- Difficulty performing nursing tasks effectively
- Emotional detachment from work and patients
- Insomnia and frequent headaches
- Lack of motivation
- Low energy and constant fatigue
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Why Is Self-Care Important for Nurses?
Reducing the risk of burnout is easier than recovering from it. Consistent self-care helps nurses avoid burnout. Self-care also helps:
- Enhance quality of life
- Improve job satisfaction
- Manage stress effectively
- Reduce the risk of chronic and acute health problems
- Support overall physical health
Why is self-care important for nurses’ patients? The American Nurses Association (ANA) considers self-care a professional responsibility because neglecting it can lead to performance problems and increase the risk of medical errors. Patient care and safety improve when nurses prioritize their own needs.
Burnout can make it hard to express compassion and empathy and build rapport with patients. Preventing burnout helps nurses maintain positive emotional connections.
Common Challenges Nurses Face
Why is self-care important for nurses on an ongoing basis? Nurses face many challenges at work. They often work long hours, juggle heavy workloads, take on extra shifts when colleagues are absent, and handle difficult patients and caregivers.
While these challenges exist in the field, they can be managed. Maintaining self-care strategies will help you guard yourself and alleviate these challenges. Nursing is a highly rewarding career despite its possible drawbacks and a worthwhile endeavor.
How to Prevent Nurse Burnout: Self-Care Strategies for Nurses
Self-care for nurses doesn’t have to be complicated. Small daily steps toward a balanced life can help you feel more grounded and better able to care for patients. Try the following tips to learn how to prevent nurse burnout:
Schedule Time for Activities That Bring Joy
Humans aren’t robots, capable of performing the same tasks repetitively without pause. It’s essential to take time for the things that bring you joy. Try to spend at least a little time every day on your favorite hobby, and schedule more “me time” on your days off.
You can also step outside your comfort zone by learning or trying something new. For example:
- Try an outdoor adventure obstacle course
- Try yoga or another physical activity
- Learn a new sport, such as pickleball
- Practice an outdoor skill, such as foraging
- Take a martial arts class
- See an opera or theatrical performance
- Volunteer at a local food pantry
Avoid Screens Before Bedtime
Your pre-bedtime routine plays a significant role in the quality of your sleep. It’s particularly important to establish a healthy, consistent bedtime routine if you often struggle with insomnia or maintaining sleep hygiene.
At least an hour before bedtime, turn off electronic devices and do something relaxing, such as yoga, meditation, or reading. Also, ensure your bedroom is dark and cool for comfortable rest.
Learn to Say No When Necessary
You can’t do everything. Recognize when to decline additional responsibilities but say yes to time with loved ones. When you overextend yourself at work or in your personal life, you cannot strike a work-life balance, which makes you prone to burnout.
Don’t Skip Breaks at Work
Nurses often skip breaks because they are juggling patients and tasks. While you may not always succeed, try to take breaks at work, especially during 12-hour shifts. Taking short breaks when possible is an essential self-care strategy at work.
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Fuel Your Body Properly
Nurses often advise patients to exercise regularly and eat healthy foods, but may struggle to follow their own advice. Take small steps toward better physical wellness. If you can’t find time to go to the gym, or if you don’t enjoy gyms, try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts at home that raise your heart rate in less time.
You can also support a healthier diet by using meal or grocery delivery services, choosing pre-cut vegetables, and opting for healthier takeout options.
Get Outdoors
Time outdoors can greatly improve mental health and help you decompress. Spending time in nature helps promote better cognitive functioning and lower stress levels, making it a terrific self-care strategy for nurses.
Experience Exceptional Support at Northeastern
At Northeastern University, we encourage students to prioritize self-care. Our ABSN program offers extensive support, including accessible faculty and flexible online coursework for a better school-life balance. Additionally, our comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning, which includes hands-on nursing labs and clinical rotations, prepare students for successful professional careers.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 62 college credits, you can choose from three ABSN locations in Massachusetts and North Carolina to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. Contact an admissions counselor today to get started.