The Top 10 Tips for Nurses to Maintain Work/Life Balance
Nurses are one of the most sought-after professionals in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rise of the aging population results in an ever-higher demand for nurses. Unfortunately, part of the future aging population are the current nurses.
The overall labor force participation rate has been declining since 2000 and is projected to decrease further to 60.4% by 2030. This trend may lead to higher patient-to-nurse ratios, placing additional strain on newer nurses entering the field.
Nursing is one of the most stressful professions in the field of healthcare. Not being able to manage stress can be very expensive in the hospital setting as it results in tiredness, anxiety, short temper, and other negative health effects. Moreover, studies show that stress among nurses can cause depression, isolation, and a decrease in qualification.
While everyone agrees that achieving a good work-life balance is optimal in job performance, work life balance for nurses is difficult to achieve. This is due to high job demands, erratic schedules, and basically their altruistic nature—such that they find it hard to say “no” when someone needs their help.
As a nurse, poor work/life balance often leads to burnout and job dissatisfaction. In a study published in the journal Health Affiliation, the highest amount of stress and dissatisfaction came from nurses who were directly dealing with patients in the hospital and nursing home environment.
Many nursing staff have reported that aside from the work environment, staffing problems can also influence their burnout, which leads to the feeling of depletion of one’s physical and emotional resources. While nursing is a stressful profession, nursing work life balance can still be achieved. Below are 10 tips for these unsung heroes in the healthcare setting to achieve work life balance.
Tip #1: Accept what you cannot change
The first thing for nurses to do is to come to terms with stress by accepting what they cannot change. Acknowledge that there are certain aspects of your role as a nurse that are going to be stressful, then develop your own coping strategies to address your feelings. Aside from accepting things that are beyond your control, focus on what is within your range of influence –your feelings and attitude, in particular.
Being positive on the job does not mean ignoring what causes you distress, but rather, finding ways to help yourself decompress and practice self-care.
Tip #2: Define your purpose
Even nurses can face a crisis of purpose. It’s easy for others to define life for you—to help people heal, to care. But how do you define your purpose beyond your profession?
You’re not only a nurse. You may also be a parent, a friend, a child—but more importantly, you're a person with your own hopes, values, and dreams. True fulfillment comes from looking inward and connecting with what matters most to you. Ask yourself: “Who do I want to be?” or “What lasting impact do I want to make?” These questions can help you move with intention—not just at work, but in life.
Tip #3: Live a healthier life
Achieving work-life balance as a nurse isn't always easy—but it's essential. Investing in your own well-being can help you navigate the demands of caregiving, both at work and at home. This doesn't mean striving for perfection, but rather creating habits that support your energy, resilience, and peace of mind.
Whether it’s nourishing your body with better food, moving regularly in ways that feel good, or simply carving out moments of rest—you deserve to feel well, too. A healthier life isn’t just about self-care; it’s about sustaining your ability to care for others without losing yourself in the process.
Tip #4: Simplify your focus
As a nurse, your responsibilities are complex—simplifying your life doesn’t mean eliminating the hard parts, but finding ways to reduce unnecessary friction. Consider using tools and technology to streamline your tasks, whether it’s organizing your schedule, tracking patient updates, or setting boundaries around work communication.
The goal isn’t to do less—it’s to clear space for what truly matters: being present, protecting your peace, and preserving your energy for the moments that need you most.
Tip #5: Set healthy boundaries
Time management can feel nearly impossible when you're pulled in so many directions. Between long shifts, patient care, and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Start by identifying where your time and energy are going, then look for areas where you can set healthy boundaries.
This might mean saying no to extra shifts when you need rest, carving out time for yourself without guilt, or creating structure around tasks at work. Managing your time with intention helps prevent burnout—and gives you space to be fully present in the moments that matter.
Tip #6: Address conflicts with care
Unresolved conflict—whether with colleagues, patients, or in your personal life—can quietly drain your energy and focus. As a nurse, your emotional bandwidth is already in high demand, so it’s important to address tensions early and constructively. Avoid letting issues fester; instead, create space for respectful, honest conversations when needed.
While not every disagreement will be resolved immediately, taking steps to acknowledge and address conflict can prevent it from growing and protect your emotional well-being. The more peace you create around you, the more clarity and calm you can preserve within.
Tip #7: Nurture meaningful connections
Strong relationships are essential for emotional well-being, especially in a demanding field like nursing. Whether it’s family, friends, or your chosen support system, make time to connect with the people who help you feel grounded.
This could mean setting aside your day off for quality time, sharing a quiet meal, or simply checking in with a call or message. You don’t have to go far or plan something elaborate—what matters is being present. Investing in these connections helps you feel supported, seen, and less alone in the work you do.
Tip #8: Embrace in-between breaks
In a short-staffed, fast-paced environment, long breaks might not always be realistic—but even small pauses can make a big difference. Restorative moments don’t have to be lengthy to be effective. A few deep breaths between patients, a mindful pause while washing your hands, or a quiet moment during charting can help you reset.
If you do get a few uninterrupted minutes—during lunch, a walk to the car, or a quick errand—use them to check in with yourself. These tiny acts of self-prioritization remind you that your well-being matters, even on the busiest days.
Tip #9: Move in ways that restore you
You don’t need a strict fitness routine to benefit from movement—what matters is finding ways to reconnect with your body that feel good and sustainable.
As a nurse, your days are already physically demanding, so focus on movement that helps you recharge rather than deplete. A walk outside for fresh air, gentle stretching between shifts, or even dancing around your kitchen can help relieve stress, boost mood, and support long-term wellness. Movement should feel like a gift, not another obligation.
Tip #10: Get enough rest
Getting enough rest isn’t always as simple as “just going to bed,” especially after a physically and emotionally demanding shift. For nurses, sleep can be elusive—especially when your mind is still racing from the day.
When possible, create a wind-down routine that helps you ease into rest: dim the lights, take a few deep breaths, and if it feels helpful, reflect on moments of meaning or connection from your day. That might be a kind word from a patient, a shared laugh with a coworker, or simply the fact that you showed up and did your best. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity—and finding ways to guide yourself to a restorative place is key to balance.
Stress is something that is very difficult to avoid working as a nurse. But a good work life balance of a nurse is never impossible. All there is to it is for you to have the right attitude and mindset to make everything work.
Invest in Yourself—You’re Worth It
Achieving balance as a nurse isn’t always easy, but small, intentional changes can protect your well-being and renew your sense of purpose. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential to sustaining the meaningful work you do.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career while continuing to care for yourself, Walsh University can help you get there.
For those interested in advancing, Walsh’s flexible online MSN-program, was designed with working nurses in mind. Complete 100% coursework and earn the credential you need, without sacrificing your work/life balance.