6 Strategies to Overcome Nurse Burnout & Extend Your Career

According to HelpGuide.org, burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can be exacerbated by demanding workloads, administrative burdens, and high-pressure work environments. A 2022 study by the American Nurses Foundation found that “the nursing profession has been under disproportionate stress” since the pandemic, with many nurses feeling overwhelmed and exhausted after working overtime over a period of several years. Increased patient-to-nurse ratios and staff turnover at many healthcare facilities has further contributed to the clinical burden of many nurses today.

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“52% of all nurses in America are considering leaving their positions, with 51% of all nurses citing that their work was negatively affecting their health and well-being."

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"66% of nurses under 35 reported feeling anxious."

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"30% of nurses said they are ‘not emotionally healthy’ or ‘not at all emotionally healthy."

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In addition to professional demands, even a lack of sleep or social support can contribute to feelings of stress! But while burnout may be common, you aren’t without hope. Self-awareness is the first step to both addressing and preventing burnout. With it, you can get back to feeling empowered, balanced, and happy at work– and we’re here to help! Below are our six expert tips for alleviating burnout:

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1. Prioritize your Personal Health: Your well-being is crucial to your ability to provide the best care for your patients. Although burnout prevention is ideal, it may not always be feasible given the increased workloads and high-stress shifts. Stay hydrated, sleep at least 8 hours, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise to relieve stress!

2. Seek Support: Engaging in conversations with friends and family can help alleviate stress. If you are a travel nurse, regular phone calls and video chats can give you some much-needed connection. At work, interact with your colleagues and contribute to a culture of openness where you can share work-related challenges and successes.

3. Schedule Self Care: Finding a balance between work, socializing, and relaxation is crucial. Scheduling your self-care like you would any other appointment can be a helpful strategy to ensure you are checking in with your physical, mental, and emotional state on a regular basis. We recommend yoga, meditation, and journaling as healthy habits to manage your stress.

4. Set Boundaries: It is important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Saying no to additional shifts or social gatherings when feeling exhausted or overwhelmed is acceptable.

5. Take Time Off: Paid time off and sick leave are available for a reason. Take advantage of these benefits to recharge, travel, or take a staycation!
6. ‍Sleep for Success: Adequate sleep is vital in preventing and treating burnout. Try to get at least 8 hours each night. If you work nights and must sleep during the day, try using a sleep mask, sound machine, or blackout curtains to help your body unwind and drift off.

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Nearly every healthcare professional has experienced work-related stress. Although burnout prevention is ideal, it may not always be feasible given increased workloads and high stress shifts during critical seasons. At Advantis Medical Staffing, we specialize in travel nurse well-being by connecting professionals like you to shorter contracts, more money, and better benefits– giving you a quality of life you deserve!

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Whether you’re eager to embark on a journey to a neighboring state, explore job opportunities in places you’ve never explored, or find the perfect destination for every season, we’ve got you covered.

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Browse exclusive, high-paying travel job openings from the #1 rated travel nurse agency today! You can choose to work with one of our dedicated Pro Recruiters to receive white-glove service or express your interest in specific jobs directly on our individual job pages. Start your next adventure today by searching for exclusive travel nursing jobs!