Nursing stress can occur from a variety of sources, including a national nurse shortage, an increase in the number of elderly Americans suffering from chronic illnesses, a COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in natural disasters, and heightened public anxiety. Nurses are vulnerable to anxiety, sadness, compassionate fatigue, moral discomfort, stress-related disorders, and even burnout in various settings. Nurses will continue to be in high demand, accounting for around 12% of occupations during the next decade, particularly in rural areas. Not only must we hire nursing students, but we must also retain nurses. Read more about how to design a resilience program for nurses.
It is critical to building human and environmental resilience. Flexibility is a hot topic in all workplaces, particularly nursing. First, you must comprehend what resilience is and how it may be improved.
Flexibility is more than just a buzzword.
Flexibility is a new nursing term that is being used to assist nurses in "recovering" from challenging situations. It is defined as "the ability of an individual to actively adapt to hardship." To endure stressful situations, resilience is compared to a "personal protective factor (PPF)." Stress management typically addresses issues that arise as a result of challenging events. Resilience is the development of strength and strategy to survive stressful events before they occur.
Three Strategies for Increasing Resilience
Personal resilience is a tactic that nurses can employ to help them survive and thrive in their careers. Nurses who are adaptable take steps to prepare for the scenario. A professional network, a self-care approach, and creating and maintaining a work-life balance are only three important measures for developing resilience for a long-term nursing career.
Create a social network.
A solid support network might help you be more resilient in stressful circumstances. For years, the military has relied on this method to help personnel feel like they are not alone. Your professional support network is not a "friend" or a social network like LinkedIn. Instead, you are supported by a strong core of 10-12 professionals. People from outside the organization, people of various ages, and even other health care experts are included.
Professional networking allows you to gather ideas, points of view, and experiences. It enables you to engage and engage. Consider joining a professional group if you still meet individuals online.
Take care of yourself.
Nurses frequently prioritize caring for others (patients, family, and friends) at their own expense. A nurse, for example, may work extended shifts without food, water, or restroom breaks. To take care of others, though, you must first take care of yourself.
Nurses who engage in self-care activities are more likely to be "healthy in all aspects of mind, body, and spirit" and hence more resilient. Self-care boosts mood, alleviates anxiety, and combats stress.
Furthermore, nurses who feel supported will deliver better care to their patients. Nurses must protect themselves against others, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Conduct. Self-care becomes a professional obligation for your physical, emotional, or mental wellbeing as a result of this. The method is straightforward, easy to implement, and only takes 5 minutes every day.
Find something that you enjoy, whether it's reading, coloring, going for a walk outside, keeping a journal, or practicing mindfulness.
Keeping a work-life balance
Nurses who maintain a work-life balance are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and to be physically and emotionally fit. This means fewer sick days, fewer unpleasant thoughts and sentiments about breastfeeding, and, eventually, less exhaustion.
Maintain the limit. Many nurses seek over time because they feel obligated to do so when the unit is understaffed. It is acceptable to say "no" to care for oneself. Exhaustion and fatigue can result in poor patient outcomes, increased stress, and malaise, as well as other health issues such as secondary injuries. If you are having difficulty balancing work, personal duties, and "on/off" strategies, try contacting a workplace counselor or therapist for assistance.
Resilience teaching and support practices are becoming more popular in nursing schools and workplaces. Check to see if your firm teaches self-care or provides the option to develop employee help programs and other forms of resilience.
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