Burnout among nurses is reaching significant levels, making self-care, boundaries, and mental health support essential for sustaining a healthy workforce.
Valerie J. Fuller, Ph.D., D.N.P.
President, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
If I had a dollar for every time someone answered “stressed” when I asked how they’re doing, I’d have a full jar. And as nurses, we’d probably add our own dollars to it. While we are working tirelessly for our patients, it’s important to recognize we are not immune to the stressors around us and must share strategies to help each other and our patients.
Nurse practitioners and nurses enter health care with a passion to make patients’ lives better. Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, health concerns and the constant buzz of phones , the stress of our everyday lives can be compounding. It’s incumbent upon all of us to recognize that managing stress is an important component to our overall health and well-being. Drawing on our experience and clinical education, we know the value of recognition and understand how to best manage stress to prevent burnout.
Know the signs
Stress can also sneak up: tension, poor sleep, irritability, fatigue, appetite changes, headaches, or loss of joy.
What you can do
Even in the middle of a packed day, there are things you can do to promote wellbeing and prevent burnout:
- Take time for yourself — Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet, a walk, or your favorite show, it counts.
- Set boundaries — Set realistic expectations and boundaries with work, with family and even with yourself.
- Schedule time for joy —Add it to your calendar like any other appointment.
- Ask for help —Getting support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s a path to better health.
- Rest — Real, uninterrupted rest is vital to your health.
When to reach out
As healthcare providers and industry leaders, we need to apply our knowledge to ensure the provider workforce is better supported to prevent burnout. While stress is a part of life, it shouldn’t take over your life. Let’s stop glorifying burnout and start normalizing rest, boundaries and asking for what we need.
The future of healthcare depends on a healthy, supported workforce. By addressing burnout with compassion and strategy, we are ensuring that NPs remain exactly where patients need us: present, focused and ready to provide the very best care.
