If you’re interested in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment with a focus on helping others, becoming a nurse may be the perfect career choice for you. At Discovery Community College, our Provincial Practical Nursing Program (PPNP) provides you with a comprehensive education encompassing the knowledge and skills required to confidently enter the workplace, as well as close to 700 hours of hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. During this time, you’ll get to witness firsthand the expectations and true experiences of the career.

As rewarding as a nursing career is, you’ll find that it can require long hours dealing with high-stress situations that are physically and mentally demanding. If preventative measures aren’t taken, this stress can lead to nursing burnout. A recent study found that over a third of British Columbian nurses currently experience burnout which include symptoms such as fatigue, emotional exhaustion, a lack of motivation, and negative attitudes towards the workplace. These symptoms can lead to poor job performance, low morale, and high turnover rates.

Keep reading for preventative and remedial measures that you can take against burnout after nursing school.

Develop Strong Relationships at Work and at Home

Developing strong social relationships both with colleagues and in your personal life can help to prevent or reduce burnout after nursing school. Having coworkers who can relate to you, and friends and family members with whom you can share your feelings and experiences gives you an outlet to release the emotional stress you may be carrying. These relationships are essential in providing you with a vital support system so you can feel heard, understood, and appreciated.

Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance After Nursing School

When you become a practical nurse, you may find it difficult to mentally leave the workplace when you clock out. However, it’s important to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition to developing strong interpersonal relationships with others, it’s just as important to prioritize those relationships when you are away from work. Not only should you make time to connect with friends and family, but you should also be sure to partake in hobbies and activities that you enjoy.

Make Sure You Are Well Rested

Even though shifts can be long and may take place during various hours of the day or night, it’s important to try your best to regularly get a good sleep. Ensuring that you are well rested can improve mood and motivation, while also extending your stamina and keeping you alert and focused while at work. Avoiding caffeine in the evenings, unplugging from devices before bed, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine can all help you to unwind at the end of the day.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Many people who become nurses are naturally altruistic and may find it difficult to take time away from helping others to focus themselves. However, self-care is vital to prevent or reduce nursing burnout. Exercise and a well-balanced diet are two crucial habits to form and will positively affect your mood and decrease your stress levels. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness interventions specifically are connected to significant reductions in burnout among nurses. 

In addition, taking time off when you need it is essential, whether you are physically sick or feeling the effects of burnout or any other mental health issues. Furthermore, the British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU) has a variety of accessible mental health supports for its nurses. 

Overall, it is essential that nurses take preventative and remedial measures to ensure that they themselves are physically and mentally healthy in order to fulfill their role of helping others. With a commitment to extensive hands-on-training through an immersion in real-life healthcare settings, DCC provides our students with the knowledge, tools, and experience they need to succeed in their rewarding careers.

Are you interested in practical nursing training?

Contact Discovery Community College for more information today!