Feature

Self-Care: From Buzzword to Practice

Tosha Harris, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

As a young nurse, taking a “mental health day” was frowned upon. No, not frowned upon but taken as a joke; viewed as just an excuse not to come to work. However, over the years, I have noticed a shift in this type of thinking. And for good reason. In 2023, the American Nurses Association and McKinsey Company surveyed 7,419 nurses to better understand mental health and well-being in the nursing workforce. They discovered that 56% of nurses reported experiencing symptoms of burnout and 64% indicated they felt a great deal of stress because of their jobs. Sadly, only two-thirds responded that they were not receiving any type of mental health support and 56% believed there is a stigma surrounding mental health conditions (Berlin et al., 2023). Olson et al. (2023) found that in comparison to the 12.6 per 100,000 nonhealthcare worker suicide rate, the registered nurse suicide rate was 16 per 100,000.

Some months ago, I was asked to share a picture that represented me. This is the picture that I chose.

I am the rope. Its braids represent the different facets that make me who I am: woman, mother, sister, aunt, friend, nurse, teacher, editor, and more. I have become worn and frayed from the trials and strains inherent to life’s journey yet even in moments of unraveling, there exists a determined grip and commitment to stability—a profound sense of responsibility. For I am the anchor; the grounding force for those around me.

There have been times when I grappled with the weight of that responsibility. It led to moments of sadness when I sensed I wasn't meeting expectations, along with a feeling of frustration in having to bear such a burden. Nevertheless, amid these challenges, a unique sense of gratitude endures—an acknowledgment of the importance and purpose embedded in shouldering that responsibility.

Managing multiple tasks simultaneously can significantly contribute to a heightened sense of accomplishment and increased self-worth. Successfully juggling various responsibilities showcases effective time management, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask—a cognitive skill that demands focus and mental agility. Each completed task becomes a tangible building block in the construction of personal achievements, reinforcing a positive self-image.

However, what happens when we perceive failure in managing these tasks? Failure can evoke feelings of frustration, disappointment, and a sense of inadequacy. Unrealistic expectations around multitasking can set high standards, and falling short may trigger negative emotions. The inability to handle multiple tasks might lead to self-doubt and erode one's sense of worth. Moreover, the pressure to excel in various areas simultaneously can contribute to stress and burnout.

The phenomenon of managing multiple tasks simultaneously has a profound impact on nurses, influencing various aspects of our professional and personal lives. Nursing is inherently stressful, with nurses grappling with a myriad of daily challenges. Long and unpredictable work hours, exposure to human suffering, the emotional toll of patient care, and the pressure to provide high-quality care within a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape are just a few of the stressors we encounter. The nature of nursing work often involves exposure to trauma, critical incidents, and life-and-death situations, leading to emotional and compassion fatigue. The continuous juggling of multiple responsibilities, coupled with the emotional investment in patient outcomes, can take a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of nurses.

We often feel compelled to go above and beyond in our caregiving roles. While dedication is commendable, it is essential for us to recognize our limitations and set realistic boundaries to prevent burnout. Learning to say no when necessary, prioritizing personal time, and establishing a healthy work-life balance are all ways that we can create and maintain these boundaries.  We must protect our physical and mental well-being, to ensure we have the resilience and energy needed to provide optimal patient care.

Recognizing the importance of self-care, we can adopt various strategies to prioritize our well-being. Regular physical exercise, a balanced and nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep are foundational components of self-care. Exercise not only contributes to physical health but also has positive effects on mental well-being, reducing stress and improving mood. Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, offer nurses valuable tools to manage the emotional challenges of their work. Engaging in activities outside of work that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones, is equally crucial for maintaining a sense of balance and fulfillment.

Seeking professional support is a vital aspect of self-care and utilizing such services must become the norm. By destigmatizing the need for self-care and promoting its positive impact on both individual nurses and patient care, the nursing profession can evolve toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Nurses can benefit from counseling services, peer support groups, or mentorship programs that provide a safe space for discussing the challenges they face. Addressing mental health concerns proactively is an essential step in preventing the escalation of stress and burnout.

While individual self-care practices are invaluable, creating a culture of well-being within the nursing profession requires systemic changes. Healthcare organizations play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that prioritizes the mental and physical health of nurses. This involves implementing policies that support work-life balance, providing access to mental health resources, and promoting open communication about self-care. Leadership within healthcare organizations should actively encourage and model self-care practices. Recognizing and addressing the unique stressors faced by nurses, offering flexible scheduling options, and acknowledging the importance of breaks and time off contribute to a supportive work environment.

The well-being of nurses directly influences patient outcomes. A nurse who is physically and mentally well-rested is better equipped to make sound clinical judgments, communicate effectively with patients, and provide empathetic and compassionate care. The positive energy and resilience cultivated through self-care practices contribute to a positive work environment, benefiting both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

Self-care must become more than just a buzzword. It is not a luxury but a necessity for nurses. The unique stressors of this profession make it imperative that we prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By setting boundaries, adopting self-care strategies, and fostering a culture of well-being within the profession, nurses can not only safeguard their own health but also enhance the quality of patient care. As healers, nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, and their well-being is intrinsically connected to the well-being of the entire healthcare ecosystem. We must no longer try to pour from empty cups.

References

Berlin, B., Burns, F., Hanley, A., Herbig, B., Judge, K., & Murphy, M. (2023). Understanding and prioritizing nurses’ mental health and well-being. https://www.nursingworld.org/~4aaf68/contentassets/ce8e88bd395b4aa38a3ccb583733d6a3/understanding-and-prioritizing-nurses-mental-health-and-well-being.pdf

Olson, M., Cosgrove, C. M., Wall, M. M., & Blanco, C. (2023). Suicide risks of health care workers in the US. JAMA, 330(12), 1161–1166. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.15787