Managing Stress as Doctor, Nurse Practitioner and Healthcare Provider
Stress—it’s a six-letter word that resonates with too many of us. In the healthcare industry, it’s especially prominent due to the demanding nature of the work. Healthcare workers often face high-pressure situations, long work hours, emotional challenges, and the need to make critical decisions quickly. They may witness suffering, trauma, and loss on a regular basis, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. The responsibility of providing quality care, dealing with complex medical cases, navigating bureaucratic systems, and managing patient expectations further contribute to the stress levels. Additionally, healthcare professionals may face organizational and systemic issues such as staffing shortages, resource constraints, and administrative burdens, which can exacerbate the stress experienced in their roles.
A survey of healthcare workers conducted June-September 2020 by Mental Health America showed that:
– 93% were experiencing stress, 86% reported experiencing anxiety, 77% reported frustration, 76% reported exhaustion and burnout, and 75% said they were overwhelmed.
– Emotional exhaustion was the most common feeling healthcare workers said they felt over the previous three months.
Why is Work-Related Stress Dangerous?
Work-related stress can be harmful because it negatively impacts both the individual and the quality of care provided. It can lead to physical and mental health problems such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of chronic conditions. Stress can impair concentration, decision-making abilities, and professional performance, potentially compromising patient safety (quite the opposite of the reason why most healthcare professionals seek these positions) It also affects personal relationships, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Addressing work-related stress is crucial to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of healthcare workers and maintain high standards of care.
As a healthcare worker, preventing work-related stress is essential for your overall well-being and the quality of care you provide.
Here are some strategies that can help:
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities to maintain physical and mental health. Ensure you get adequate rest, eat a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Set Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid excessive overtime and prioritize time for activities you enjoy outside of work. Disconnect from work-related communication during your time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Seek Support: Build a support system within your workplace and outside. Communicate openly with colleagues, share experiences, and seek guidance when needed. Connect with friends, family, or support groups who understand the unique challenges of your profession.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Focus on the present moment, pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Pencil in some time for meditation, even if just a few minutes a day.
Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to reduce stress. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and break them down into manageable steps. Learn to delegate when appropriate and avoid taking on excessive workload.
Develop Coping Healthy Mechanisms: Create healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress. This can include activities such as listening to music, engaging in hobbies, reading, spending time in nature, or participating in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Seek Professional Help: If work-related stress becomes overwhelming or persists despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Consult with a mental health professional who can provide guidance, support, and strategies to manage stress effectively.
Practice Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is vital in managing work-related stress. Express your concerns or challenges to supervisors or colleagues, and work together to find solutions or implement changes that can alleviate stressors in the work environment.
Reflect and Learn: Continuously reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Identify patterns or triggers that contribute to stress and explore strategies to address them effectively. Embrace a growth mindset and seek opportunities for professional development to enhance your skills and confidence.
Consider a Career Change with the Help of a Healthcare Recruiting Company
If you want to explore a healthcare career change, such as seeking a Locum Tenens position where you are able to travel to different locations for a set period of time, Momentum can help match you to the perfect company. Or if you’re seeking a better hospital or healthcare facility that meets your professional and personal needs, we can help there too. Contact us to get started.
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