The job of a nurse is rewarding in countless ways, but it’s also exhausting. As a result, it’s easy to start feeling burnout in the field, especially if you’re newly licensed. In order to maintain your passion and effectiveness after you’ve passed through the first few months of your new position, learn how to take action against burnout below. 

4 Suggestions for New Nurses to Prevent Burnout 

1. Give Yourself Breaks 

Don’t push yourself to work through an entire shift without pausing. Practice deep breathing techniques, and use them throughout your shift whenever you start to feel overwhelmed and before starting a new or stressful task. Make sure to enjoy your lunch breaks, too.

When you’re home, stay away from your phone as much as possible to fully rest your mind. Also, plan longer breaks in the form of paid time off and the occasional long vacation. 

2. Practice Good Management Skills 

You might be taking on more stress than necessary. Make a list of your responsibilities and other stressors. Figure out which ones you can reduce, cut out, or delegate to other people. Set boundaries for yourself to help you manage whatever stressors you have to keep. For example, be strict about clocking out at the same time every day so that work doesn’t continuously overtake your personal life. 

3. Make Time for Enjoyable Activities

Nursing jobs are focused around service toward others, and that’s noble. However, your needs and desires are still important, too.

Set aside a few hours every day to do something that you find enjoyable or relaxing, whether that’s knitting, crafting, gardening, reading a book, or watching a movie.

4. Build a Support Network 

Find a nurse support group on social media or within your community. Joining a support group with other nurses who experience the same burnout as you will give you an outlet to de-stress and relate to others.

Additionally, maintain close relationships with your friends and family, so that you can lean on them when you’re worn out or need someone to listen to you.

As you embark on your journey of being a nurse, contact J&D Ultracare. Based in Suffern, NY, our nursing staffing agency helps newcomers balance their careers with their personal needs and goals to avoid burnout. There will always be someone 24/7 who can answer your questions and help you become comfortable with the demands of the job. To find out about available positions, call (845) 357-4500 or visit us online.