Job stress is a harsh reality for many nurses. According to a study, nurses experience high levels of emotional exhaustion and burnout from their job. Additionally, in a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of nurses reported feeling stressed at work regularly.
Job stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health; without stress management, it can hurt the quality of care you provide to your patients.
Tips for Coping with Job Stress as a Nurse
Here are some essential tips for coping with job stress to better care for yourself and your residents.
Make Time For Yourself Outside of Work
Keeping that work/life balance can make a huge difference. Spend time with friends and family, participate in activities, or relax and de-stress. For some, exercising or yoga may help.
Manage Your Diet
One way to help manage stress levels is to ensure that you eat a healthy diet. Eating foods high in protein and low in sugar can help improve your energy levels and focus while keeping your mood stable.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining your health and well-being. It helps reduce stress levels and promote healing. As a nurse, you must be at your best to provide quality patient care. Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to meet the demands of your job.
Communicate
Communication is necessary for any work environment, especially as a nurse. Be sure to communicate any concerns or needs. If you feel overloaded or overworked, speak up. Our Vantage support is available 24/7 to help you with anything you need.
Take a Break
With Vantage, you are in control of your schedule. If you’re feeling stressed, simply take a break. Block your availability in your Vantage mobile app, or skip accepting a shift this time. Take that well-deserved break if you need a long weekend, vacation, or just a few days off.
Set Boundaries
Start by not checking your work email on weekends or evenings when you’re not working. Not setting job-related boundaries can increase stress and make you feel overworked. Setting boundaries helps you lower your stress and, as a result, better care for your residents.
Take A Look at Your Schedule
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, look at your current schedule. Are you picking up too many hours? Do you feel more stressed during day shifts or night shifts? Make adjustments to your schedule if needed.
Get to Know Vantage Medical Staffing
Our Founder, Joe Zarembski, has about 15 years of direct patient care experience. Thus, we understand the important role that nurses and caregivers play in providing quality care to residents. We’re committed to serving healthcare professionals and communities from a higher vantage point with quality, excellence, and reliability. Learn more about Vantage Medical Staffing.
