Healthcare workers encounter stressful situations every day, as they treat patients suffering from debilitating and painful medical conditions. The constant exposure to trauma can lead to exhaustion, frustration and anger, not to mention the adverse effect these experiences may have on nurses’ health.
Why Is Self-Care Important for Healthcare Workers?
Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, coming into direct contact with patients in crisis.
While nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are prepared to provide evidenced-based, patient-centered care, they may struggle with the physical, emotional and mental aspects of the job. Occupational side effects may include fatigue, interrupted sleep patterns, poor nutrition, weight gain and depression.
If healthcare workers do not take care of themselves, they can compromise the health of their patients and coworkers. Overly stressed healthcare workers are prone to making medical errors that may cause complications or result in the death of a patient.
What Are the Occupational Health Risks for Nurses?
Nurses not only work long, hectic hours with changing shifts, but they may have family responsibilities that demand much of their personal time. They may find it grueling to keep up with their work and family life. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, these strains can increase a nurse’s chances of developing the following:
- Breast Cancer.
- Depression.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Infections from blood-borne pathogens.
- Musculoskeletal injuries.
- Stroke.
- Tuberculosis.
- Workplace allergies.
Many nurses work nightshifts, which can be very disruptive to their sleep cycle. Not getting enough sleep can affect a nurse’s work performance and cause health issues.
In the 2014 study, Work Stress, Sleep Deficiency and Predicted 10-year Cardiometabolic Risk in a Female Patient Care Worker Population, researchers found that workers with work-related stress and sleep deficiency have a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But they also noted that the ten-year cardiometabolic risk was modifiable by maintaining good eating and sleep patterns.
Nurses come in daily contact with sick patients, so when they are physically worn down, they are more likely to contract illnesses. According to a 2011 study, Do Nurses Have a Different Physical Health Profile? A Systematic Review of Experimental and Observational Studies on Nurses’ Physical Health, nurses are more susceptible to injuries, viruses, infections and breast cancer than other healthcare workers.
Unfortunately, many nurses experience painful musculoskeletal injuries. When nurses suffer from chronic pain, they may become depressed, which decreases their level of productivity and the quality of patient care they provide. Researchers in a 2012 study, Depression in Hospital-Employed Nurses, surveyed 1,171 registered nurses (RN) in North Carolina. The results showed that 18 percent of the hospital nurses suffered from depression. This rate was higher than the 9.4 percent national average for adults living in the United States.
How Can Healthcare Workers Reduce Their Health Risks?
Healthcare workers should cut out any unhealthy habits and make lifestyle changes like the following:
- Eating healthy foods.
- Exercising.
- Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake.
- Losing excess weight.
- Quitting smoking.
What Are Some Best Practices at Work?
Healthcare workers should take breaks to eat, drink water, go to the bathroom, stretch or go for a quick walk. These moments release tension and redirect your mind so you can regain focus. Deep breathing is also good as it promotes the movement of oxygen through your body and brain. And smiling and laughing releases endorphins, which diminishes stress hormones.
Do not give in to unhealthy food choices when you are at work. You need to eat foods that are high in protein and nutrients. Consider packing a meal with items like these:
- Fish.
- Fruits.
- Lean meats.
- Nuts.
- Part-skim cheese.
- Salads.
- Vegetables.
- Yogurt.
- Whole grain breads.
What Can You Do Outside of Work?
When you are not at work, you should make room in your schedule to do things that keep you mentally and physically fit. These are things that can help you relieve stress:
- Exercise.
- Hobbies.
- Leisure activities.
- Sleep.
- Time with family.
- Travel.
What Kinds of Wellness Programs Are Available to Healthcare Workers?
Many hospitals support free wellness programs for their employees, though unfortunately, not every healthcare organization offers programs to all of its workers.
A Becker’s Hospital Review article in 2013 listed the top 18 wellness programs for hospital employees. The findings came from surveys sent to 876 hospitals. The following are the top three-wellness programs by employee participation:
- Flu shot or other immunization — 97 percent.
- Employee assistance program/mental health services — 81 percent.
- Smoking cessation programs — 91 percent.
Other onsite wellness programs may include fitness programs, ergonomic training programs, massage, cognitive behavioral therapy and grief counseling. Over 320 healthcare facilities offer the Schwartz Center Rounds, which gives healthcare workers the opportunity to discuss social and emotional patient care issues during work hours.
Healthcare workers should be aware of situations that trigger an emotional reaction. Talking to coworkers or seeking out professional counseling can help them learn coping skills. To reduce the negative effects of workplace stress, healthcare workers need to maintain a balance between their professional and personal life. Along with enjoying their free time, they should be diligent about monitoring their own health. Moreover, they should take advantage of wellness programs that best meet their needs.
Learn more about the University of Texas at Arlington online BSN program.
Sources:
Battaglino, B., RN, BSN. (2014, March). Living a healthy lifestyle. American Nurse Today
Cohen, R., RN, EdD, HNB-BC, (n.d.). The Importance of Self-Care and Self-Healing. American Holistic Nurses Association
Fronteira, I., & Ferrinho, P. (2011, July 13). Do nurses have a different physical health profile? A systematic review of experimental and observational studies on nurses’ physical health. Journal of Clinical Nursing
Gamble, M. (2013, January 8). 18 Most Popular Wellness Programs for Hospital Employees. Becker’s Hospital Review
Jacobsen, H. B., PsyD, Reme, S. E., PsyD, PhD, Sembajwe, G., MSc, ScD, Hopcia, K., NP, Stiles, T. C., PsyD, PhD, Sorensen, G., MPH, PhD, Porter, J. H., BS, Marino, M., PhD; Buxton, O. M., PhD. (2014, May 8). Work stress, sleep deficiency, and predicted 10-year cardiometabolic risk in a female patient care worker population. American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Jakucs, C., RN, BSN, PHN. (n.d.). 21 Ways Nurses Can Stay Healthy and Happy. Working Nurse
Letvak, S., Ruhm, C. J., & McCoy, T. (2012, May/June). Depression in hospital-employed nurses. NCBI
Letvak, S., PhD, RN, FAAN. (2014, September 30). Overview and Summary: Healthy Nurses: Perspectives on Caring for Ourselves. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
Reed, D., MS, RD, LD. (2014, September 30). Healthy Eating for Healthy Nurses: Nutrition Basics to Promote Health for Nurses and Patients. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
Self-Care for Providers. (2016, June 20). Healthcare Toolbox
Wyman, T. (2015, September 30). Tips for Staying Healthy as a Nurse. Nurse.org
