Nursing burnout is not a badge of honor! As nurses, it is so easy to overwork ourselves as a way of proving our dedication and loyalty. I remember as a young nurse working 2 jobs and averaging over 60 hour per week. I even remember one time feeling proud that I had worked 18 days in a row! Needless to say, I eventually got burnout and had to readjust my priorities and find some balance again.
Achieving a work life balance not only helps us personally, but it also helps us provide better care to our patients. Research has shown that nursing burnout contributes to medical errors, nursing turnover and increased hospital expenditures. Nurses can be committed to their jobs and patients without sacrificing their wellbeing. What changes can you start today to achieve a healthy work life balance?