When a Nurse is Stretched Too Thin
Published: 02 July 2017
Published: 02 July 2017
Like an elastic band stretched beyond its limits, nurses’ endurance can be challenged and pushed to the edge.
Staffing issues, poor management and untenable working conditions can just be too much. If your nursing career feels as challenging as this, it’s time to push back.
If you stretch an elastic band past the point of no return, it will snap, break and lash back at you by stinging your hand like an angry bee. When a nurse gets to a similar point, they may lash out at those around them (at work or home), or develop stress-based physical, psychological or emotional symptoms.
When the nurse reaches their limit, compassion fatigue may set in, and the quality of nurse-patient interactions and relationships may suffer.
Equally, personal relationships with friends and family may be negatively impacted as the beleaguered nurse tries to cope with a hopeless work situation.
The snapping point will look different for everyone but the outcome can be quite similar. Beware the symptoms of burnout and push back before it settles in for the long haul.
The timeline for reaching your snapping point can only be determined by you, unless you have a counsellor, therapist or very astute colleague or loved one who can accurately read your emotional life and state of mind.
Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to determine what your edge is, as well as the strategies you will use to back away from this dangerous precipice.
Your edge may look like the aforementioned compassion fatigue scenario. Alternatively, you may develop digestive issues, chronic headaches or a host of other physical symptoms, especially while working, preparing for work or thinking about work.
Reaching your edge of tolerance for stressful struggles at work may lead to depression and anxiety. Negative workplace experiences can take you to places you assuredly would rather not go. How far are you willing to let your work drag you down into the muck and mire?
Taking self-empowering action in the interest of your wellbeing is what’s called for when you’re walking on a knife’s edge in your nursing career. Things generally won’t change on their own, so taking charge is key.
What can you do when the going gets tough? Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Whether you’re a staff nurse, manager, nurse researcher or nurse executive, stress and negative patterns may impact your health and your personal happiness.
Taking inspired action and backing away from your breaking point is key. Developing personal awareness and emotional intelligence will serve you well when the going gets tough.
Be aware of when you’re approaching your edge. When you know you’re getting close, take a step back, honestly examine your situation and feelings, and then initiate a plan of action to reverse the trend and get back on a positive track in your nursing career.
Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC, is a holistic career coach for nurses, award-winning nurse blogger, writer, podcaster, speaker, author, and popular career columnist. With two decades of nursing experience, Keith deeply understands the issues faced by 21st-century nurses. Keith’s two podcasts, RNFM Radio and The Nurse Keith Show, offer inspiration and practical support to nurses seeking to create meaningful, satisfying lives and careers. Keith’s message of savvy career management and professional satisfaction reaches tens of thousands of nurses worldwide. Keith can be found on many social media platforms---including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram - as well as at www.nursekeith.com and Digital Doorway. See Educator Profile