A group of smiling nurses.
A group of smiling nurses.

Avoid Burnout and Recharge This Nurses Month: Tips for Nurse Practitioner Work-Life Balance

by Walsh University Online

May marks National Nurses Month, a perfect opportunity to celebrate the nursing profession and prioritize your health and well-being. As a healthcare professional, you know how challenging nursing can be. The long shifts, quick pace and pressure to perform at a high level can all take a toll on the mind and body.

If left unchecked, these stressors can lead to weaker job performance or even burnout. However, with the right strategies, nurses can safeguard their well-being, ensuring that they have the energy and focus to give their best to their patients while also taking care of themselves.

In this article, we’ll explore some tips for nurse practitioner work-life balance. By employing a few simple best practices and behavioral modifications, educated professionals can avoid nurse practitioner burnout and promote better patient outcomes. 

The High Cost of Neglecting Self-Care

Burnout is more common than most nurses realize. According to recent survey data from the American Nurses Association, almost two out of every three nurses experience burnout at some point in their careers. Furthermore, young nurses under 25 are statistically most likely to experience burnout. 

Symptoms of nurse burnout include:

  • Experiencing mental or physical exhaustion
  • Mentally checking out from the job
  • Developing cynicism about nursing
  • Performing less effectively

When nurses fall into a pattern of self-neglect, it can have long-term negative consequences on their physical and mental health, ability to provide adequate patient care and overall quality of life. Burnout can even compromise their relationships with friends and families. 

The Pillars of Self-Care for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioner self-care pillars are methods that can benefit mental and physical health. Nurses should perform regular self-care to keep their minds and bodies in healthy working order. 

Prioritizing Physical Health

Self-care for physical health promotes a healthy body that can endure the rigors of nursing and maintain consistent energy levels. According to the National Society of Health Coaches, the best self-care strategies for nurses include: 

  • Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes to start your morning. Moderate-to-intense cardio is ideal for joint and muscle health.
  • Adhere to a proper diet consisting of lean proteins, leafy greens, fruits, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary snacks as a source of quick energy.
  • Make time for sleep and get plenty of it. Sleep is essential for recharging the body and mind.

Nurturing Mental Wellness

Self-care for mental health is just as important as physical health. It promotes cognitive ability, focus and mindfulness while managing stress and anxiety. However, unlike the clearly defined best practices that contribute to good physical health, the best practices for good mental health are shaped more by individual preferences. The strategies that promote mental health and wellness include:

  • Prayer
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Mindfulness
  • Stretching
  • Positive self-affirmations
  • Nurse support groups

Nurses who feel especially challenged may consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. Mental health professionals are an excellent resource for nurses who want to vent to someone other than a friend or coworker. 

Creating a Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a nurse practitioner’s work-life balance is like caring for a delicate ecosystem. Although the nursing profession is synonymous with high pressure and long hours, it’s important to value your personal life and explore interests beyond your work. Employ the following tips to balance the scales of life and work:

  • Set definitive boundaries between your work life and personal life.
  • Learn to delegate tasks and say no when necessary. Nursing is a team endeavor in which responsibility must be spread evenly.
  • Use vacation time to take an actual vacation. Extended periods away from work are an important form of self-care. 

Celebrate Nurses Month with Self-Care Treats

Treats are another form of nurse practitioner self-care that can reinvigorate the spirit and foster a better mood, and there’s no better time than National Nurses Week, the first full week of National Nurses Month, to indulge in the things you enjoy. To provide some timely inspiration, here are a few ideas for you to explore this May: 

  • Rediscover a hobby you used to love.
  • Plan a group outing or weekend getaway with friends or loved ones.
  • Melt your stress away with a professional massage and spa treatments.
  • Update your summer wardrobe with a shopping trip.
  • Visit a restaurant you’ve been meaning to go to.
  • Find an activity that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors.

Resources and Support for Nurse Practitioners

Many resources are available to support a nurse practitioner’s work-life balance and their journey to better health, including corporate promotions meant to show appreciation to nurses and bring them joy.

Mental Health Resources

The following highlights trusted mental health apps and professional organizations that lend support to nurses.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
  • The American Nurses Foundation offers the premium version of Moodfit—an app that helps users manage mood and control stressors—free to nurses.
  • Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation is a program from the American Nurses Foundation that helps nurses improve their mental and physical health; establish a healthy nurse practitioner work-life balance; and prioritize nutrition, safety and rest.

Discounts and Promotions for Healthcare Providers and Nursing Students

Explore freebies for first responders and nurse discounts from brands such as Lulelemon, Under Armour and Samsung at Incredible Health. This is an excellent resource for nursing shoes, apparel and other items that make shifts easier. Offers include the following:

Discounts and participating companies are subject to change. 

Finding Discounts

Many companies don’t advertise healthcare worker discounts directly, so it’s best to check their websites or contact their customer service departments to inquire.

Some companies partner with verification services such as ID.me to confirm your healthcare professional status. Nurse practitioners should also look for military and first responder discounts, as these often extend to healthcare workers.

Prioritize Your Well-Being with Nurse Practitioner Self-Care

Nursing is a rewarding profession, but it demands a lot from those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Long hours, emotional strain and the high-stakes healthcare environment can lead to nurse practitioner burnout if these stressors aren’t managed properly.

However, nurses can safeguard their well-being by prioritizing pillars of self-care that support their physical and mental health. It’s also important to take the opportunity to reward yourself for your hard work. Nurses who embrace self-care and professional development opportunities are more inclined to provide excellent patient care.

Nurses looking for different ways to elevate their lives and careers are encouraged to explore their educational options, such as the online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program at Walsh University. While learning through fully online courses, our students work one-on-one with expert preceptors in the field, providing direct patient care as part of a healthcare team.

Find out how an advanced nursing degree from Walsh University can support your professional goals and ideal nurse practitioner work-life balance.

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