Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems. While caring for others is their priority, it is equally important for them to prioritize their health. A health risk survey showed that 82% of nurses were at significant risk for workplace stress.
Workplace stress, caused by factors like long hours, seeing a large number of patients, and dealing with resource constraints, can lead to fatigue, frustration, and burnout. Here are a few things work managers, nurse leaders, or nurses themselves can do to increase their workplace well-being:
1.Workplace Wellness Programs
Workplace wellness programs are the health benefits that employers provide to promote wellness, productivity, and healthy living among their staff. Such a program will help boost health, social cohesion, and communication among staff and develop better relationships.
Workplaces can offer incentives such as discounts on gym memberships, healthcare, or free screenings for blood pressure and glucose tests. If you’re an employer or manager, it’s also essential you ask the nurses for input about the wellness incentives they want in the workplace.
2.Mental Care and Support
Nurses can struggle with more than burnout: witnessing emotional or traumatic events at the hospital, such as a patient’s death, can often lead to anxiety and depression. Employers can provide them access to counseling services, peer support groups, and mental health resources through wellness programs.
Peer support groups involve nurses who often use their experiences to help others. Suppose nurses experience second-victim syndrome (traumatized after committing an error). Already-established groups can help them cope with this trauma by volunteering to listen to their troubles.
3.Skill-Building
If you work as a nurse and want to further your education and career, enrolling in an in-person degree will strain your already limited time, energy, and resources. Online education, such as an online MSN family nurse program, will help you advance your career, improve your nursing skills, and offer a flexible schedule to fight against burnout. You can also reduce the cost of transportation, rent, and course-related materials.
An MSN degree will give you greater autonomy in work as you will no longer require physician supervision and will have a reduced patient load, making it more manageable. It also lets you work traditional work hours instead of typical long shifts, as you can take on managerial positions or an educator’s role. You can earn more over time; this sense of accomplishment will also improve a nurse’s well-being.
4.Reward and Recognition
Research shows a reward and recognition system can increase nurses’ engagement and motivation. Nurses who believe their work isn’t giving them proper rewards or compensation will experience burnout and often leave the organization. Monetary incentives, promotions, time off, and public recognition can help boost morale and improve job satisfaction. Non-financial rewards such as an appreciation for their work, compliments from others, and contact with patients also increase motivation.
5.Physical Wellness, Nutrition, and Exercise
Nurses can experience physical injuries or chronic pains, so NIOSH recommends regularly screening nurses for musculoskeletal disorders and other illnesses. Research suggests a lack of a healthy diet and nutrition adds to stressors that lead to declining health and mood in nurses. Nurses work long shifts.
As an employer, you shouldn’t expect them to come with healthy snacks; it’s best to provide healthy food options in the cafeterias. Nurses should be encouraged to exercise, such as cardiovascular or resistance exercises. It’s also best for nurses to meditate or practice mindfulness to reduce stress.
Endnote
Nurses provide support to patients but often forget themselves in the process. Promoting a culture of well-being will encourage nurses to prioritize their health. Help them improve their work-life integration so they can rest and enjoy a balanced home and work life. Foster better communication with them; as leaders or managers, you should listen to their concerns and take practical actions. Their well-being is also essential to the patients’ comfort, safety, and the future of this occupation.
