‍

Nurses cope with life-threatening medical emergencies, the death of patients, and lengthy, demanding shifts at the workplace. Nurses might be put under a great deal of stress by the demands of their jobs. Burnout can occur in nurses who are subjected to a great deal of pressure. As a result, nurses must learn to strike a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

What is the definition of Work-Life Balance?

The balance between work and personal life is defined as a balanced method of living that helps you to integrate your professional and personal lives.

What Factors Contribute to Stress at Work?

Nurses are always being tugged in a variety of directions. These individuals must perform multiple tasks and communicate with a large number of patients, co-workers, and other healthcare professionals. As a result, nurses are prone to be dissatisfied and overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to complete. Some of the elements that contribute to stress in nurses are as follows:

• Understaffing
• Unwillingness to cooperate
• Miscommunication
• Management that is incompetent
• There will be no breaks or downtime.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while also maintaining one's health has become an important concern in the nursing profession. The American Nurses Association has begun a major program to assist nurses in taking good action in critical areas such as sleep, nutrition, and safety, among others.

What are the 7 Best Practices for Nurses to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance?

When nurses are under chronic stress, it manifests itself in their work. They have the potential to make medical blunders that risk the lives of their patients, which is why they must maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Make an investment in your own well-being.

Nurses find it difficult to get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise because of the long hours they work and the hectic schedule they have. Approximately seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended for adults, according to the National Sleep Foundation. In addition to getting enough sleep, correct eating is essential for avoiding weight gain and jeopardizing your health. In addition to maintaining a good diet, staying active is essential for stress reduction.

Though your regular nursing routine involves some physical activity, it is not the same as walking, running, biking, swimming, or going to the gym. These exercises raise your heart rate, increase your energy level, and activate muscles that you may not use at your job otherwise.

Establish a list of priorities.

Do you require additional time to further your education? Is it important to you to spend more time with your spouse and children? Do you wish to go on a trip? You must identify what is most important in your life and let go of anything that does not help you achieve your objectives.

Inquire for assistance.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities, you may want to consider seeking assistance. You may be overburdened with patients at work, or you may find yourself unable to keep up with household chores or meal preparation at home. If you are experiencing difficulties at work, you should not hesitate to speak with your nurse manager. In the same way, you may require assistance from your partner, spouse, or children with home duties.

Create long-lasting relationships.

Maintaining positive working relationships with your co-workers is essential for maintaining a pleasant workplace. It is beneficial to keep your professionalism and confront disputes in a courteous manner at work in order to achieve a successful resolution. Please refrain from drawing hasty assumptions that could have a negative influence on communication and teamwork.

Make a reasonable schedule for yourself.

Consider which developments are most relevant to your own personal circumstances. While it may not always be practical, attempt to seek shifts during the hours of the day when you are most productive to maximize your productivity. Some nurses prefer to work at night because the longer hours allow them to be at home with their children when they are not in school. Other nurses like the late afternoon shift because it allows them to get in a little more sleep or personal time during the day.

Alternatively, you might be a nurse who finds that she has the most energy in the mornings and enjoys having the afternoons free. Be honest with yourself about the number of hours you can put in, and be upfront if you are unable to take on additional shifts.

Learn to say no to things.

Allow yourself the discretion to decline invitations or engagements that will interfere with your ability to enjoy your spare time.

Have a good time.

Do whatever it is that makes you happy.

Conclusion

Nurses who are overworked are at risk of experiencing weariness, which can result in burnout. They have the potential to endanger the health of patients, as well as harm their own emotional and physical well-being in the process. 

Nurses can carve out some time in their schedules for rest and relaxation by using effective time management techniques and strategies.