During the pandemic many coped through making memes about essential workers. At this time, it was apparent no one anticipated the way covid-19 was going to change our lives. Healthcare Providers are at the forefront and have been the key players in caring for high acuity patients. Often, this includes saving another person’s life. Identifying burnout in healthcare field can be tricky due to the nature of a high stress job environment. If you are a provider who is feeling unmotivated, lacking energy, feeling exhausted and apathetic, here are some simple tips to consider.
Tips
Take time off to take care of yourself: You deserve to take your paid time off without guilt. Your health is just as important as your patient’s health.
Be kind to yourself: I encourage you to practice this daily and extend the same grace you extend towards your patients, even when they are not willing to work with you. You are worthy of your own kindness.
Find a passion that has nothing to do with your profession: Who are you outside of your role as an RN, the MD, LMSW, etc? Try to make your career something you do instead of something you are.
Build Healthy Boundaries: You do not always have say yes when your manager asks you to cover extra shifts. Remember, you deserve a day off! Do not overextend yourself at a job that can easily replace you.
Check in with a mental health provider: A mental health provider can help you process your emotions and learn new tools to combat work related stress. Check to see if your job provides Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) or check your insurance for mental health benefits. Your mental health is as important as your physical health.
Remember, these tips are helpful for any career and can help you avoid burnout. I will leave you with this quote that resonates with me.
“As physicians we owe our patients two things—only two things—our time and our skill. We do not owe our patients our lives.”
–Joseph D Wassersug, MD
By: Hareg Eshete
LMSW