Nursing is a highly esteemed profession in which nurses are dedicated to providing compassionate patient care. They work hard to provide the best possible care, often going above and beyond their job description. Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system and they must maintain a healthy work-life balance to care for their patients properly.

Keep reading to discover why nurses need a healthy work-life balance and ways to help create harmony between career and personal life.

Understanding The Crucial Role of Work-Life Balance In Nursing 

Nurses are compassionate and selfless individuals, often putting their needs behind those of their patients. The common phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” stands especially true for nurses. This dedication and passion for empathetic care makes a nurse stand out above others. Still, it also can lead to burnout, mental health concerns, added stress, and potential health issues caused by a nurse not prioritizing themselves.  

Developing a healthy work-life balance is an excellent way for nurses to provide exceptional patient care while shifting that same level of care toward themselves. It is incredibly important for nurses to maintain a divide between their personal and professional lives. 

According to a survey conducted by the American Nurses Foundation, 62% of nurses experience feelings of professional burnout at some point in their careers. Surveys also show that 69% of nurses under the age of 25 struggle with feelings of burnout. Solid methods to help nurses separate work and personal life can help reduce the feelings of being overworked, reduce stress, and give nurses more control over their time. Below are five practices to implement to help nurses achieve a positive work-life balance. 

Practices For Nurses To Achieve Work-Life Balance

Develop A Schedule

One of the many benefits of a career in nursing is the unique set of hours that nurses work. Most positions in hospitals and medical centers require nurses to work 12-hour shifts, sometimes overnight. While working longer hours can sometimes lead to a disconnection between work and the world around them, nurses can find reprieve by optimizing their work schedule. For full-time nurses, that means working three 12-hour shifts in a row, providing the rest of the week to relax and recuperate. 

Have Hobbies Outside Of Work

It is also essential for nurses to participate in their hobbies outside of work. Incorporating enjoyable things into life outside of work can give nurses something to look forward to after their shifts that do not require them to care for others, instead allowing them to care for themselves. Whether these hobbies are physical, like hitting the gym, taking a walk, doing yoga, or swimming, or mental, such as reading, doing puzzles, cooking, art, or music, they allow busy nurses to focus on something they enjoy as opposed to the demands of their careers. 

Be Able And Willing To Say No

A part of protecting work-life balance as a nurse is being able to say no and knowing when to do so. The nursing profession is often understaffed and asks nurses to pick up extra shifts to help out. While this can be a great opportunity to provide necessary patient care, it also offers less time for nurses to care for themselves. Knowing when to decline an extra shift, an invitation that interferes with prior plans, or anything else that would negatively affect mental health can be detrimental to developing a positive work-life balance and allowing nurses time to do things that bring them joy. 

Prioritize Your Physical Health 

Nursing is a physically demanding career, making it essential to take care of your body for optimal performance. Transitioning from quick, convenient food options to wholesome meals can enhance bodily function and increase energy levels. Meal prepping in advance is an excellent strategy to guarantee nutritious choices during busy work hours. Furthermore, staying hydrated both at work and at home is crucial. On average, adults need four to six cups of water daily, which may rise when you're active. Physical exercise is another way to prioritize physical health, and it is also an excellent way to relieve stress and provide mental clarity. 

Protect Your Mental Health

Self-care is essential, not merely a luxury, particularly for busy nurses. When well-rested and emotionally balanced, you can provide the best possible care to your patients. It's important to remember that taking time for yourself is not selfish; it's necessary to remain healthy and effective as a caregiver. To make self-care a habit, start by setting small, achievable goals. Perhaps dedicate ten minutes each morning to a mindfulness exercise or commit to a weekly yoga class. Over time, these small acts of self-kindness will become routine, significantly improving your overall quality of life.

Resources To Avoid Burnout

Feelings of nursing burnout can present themselves in many ways. Hopelessness about the job, mental or physical overwork, mental distancing from patients, and sluggish or inefficient feelings are all signs that a nurse is approaching burnout. 

Luckily, many resources are available for nurses who need extra mental support to deal with the stressors they face in their careers, both online and in person. Many hospitals have an internal mental health support network that nurses and other healthcare professionals can contact for help. There are also online resources that offer anonymous and free counseling and further resources for healthcare professionals. Below are a few free mental health support services for nurses in crisis.

• 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline
  • Simply dial or text 988 on your phone to be connected to a trained professional for confidential support.
• For The Frontlines
  • This service provides free support for healthcare professionals who text FRONTLINE to 741741. 
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline
  • This confidential and free service is designed for individuals who are or have loved ones struggling with substance abuse. Individuals can utilize the service by calling 1-800-662-HELP or texting their zip code to 435748 (HELP4U).

Nurses Are The Heart of Healthcare

Nurses are compassionate, dedicated, and selfless individuals who make a difference every day, often at the expense of their physical and mental well-being. Nurses who prioritize a healthy work-life separation are essential to showing others that a career in nursing can be rewarding and balanced—and that avoiding burnout is possible. 

‍Kenzie Sullivan is the blog content and SEO specialist for a family of career schools in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania: West Virginia Junior College, East Ohio College, United Career Institute, and Boardman Training Center.