In my last post I wrote about how a lot of nurses are facing job burnout and I can’t seem to get that out of my head. With the proper planning, attitude and care of self, so many people could avoid those feelings of desperation and exhaustion. Here are some ways to prevent burnout when you get your RN to BSN degree:
1) Research where you work – I mentioned this in my last post but I think it still deserves a top spot. We all have bad days and have to deal with tough circumstances, but it helps to avoid a bad environment from the get go. Get a realistic perspective on the place and the patients you’ll be working with before you apply for the job. Research on the internet what people have to say about the hospital and ask friends and family members if they know anyone employed there that you can talk to. Is the management good? Are the nurses constantly deciding whether or not to go on strike? Is the hospital clean and organized? These are all clear signs for your future happiness.
2) Get plenty of rest – Okay, so as a nursing student you are probably running on fumes most of the time as you try to juggle studying, a job, taking care of a family and just reading your e-mail. However, I think that being tired is one of the biggest impacts on our attitude. When you’re tired you can’t think clearly and problems seem to be bigger than they really are. When you wake up refreshed, it’s much easier to face the day.
3) Balance – In my opinion, families are way too busy these days. Kids are in ten activities and parents are shuttling them from here to there like a cat chases a mouse. Plus with the holidays coming up there are a bunch of new tasks to fulfill like shopping , wrapping gifts, sending out 50 Christmas cards, baking endless amounts of cookies, etc. Choose what’s most important and prioritize what really matters. When you’re overextended and have a list ten miles long of things to do, you feel defeated before you’ve even started.
4) Focus on the positive – When you’re well rested and not burdened with a ton of outside demands, it is so much easier to focus on the positive. “I have a job… I’ve been able to make a difference in people’s lives… I have great people I work with…” Perspective makes all the difference.
5) Take time for you – Use those vacation days to relax! Do fun activities. Leave work behind those sliding glass doors.
Burnout is something that just about everyone faces in every career. It’s how you deal with those lows and take life one day at a time that gets you through them. You’re getting an online RN to BSN degree to fulfill your dream. Hopefully these steps can help you have a happy career.
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You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Much informative and useful article… I like it personally…
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