As a healthcare professional, you will probably know the rewards and challenges of being one. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or diagnostic specialist, you may always struggle to maintain an optimal work-life balance.
According to a 2021 survey, over 52% of surveyed doctors in the US disagreed that their schedule enabled work-life balance. That was amid the pandemic, but things continue to be challenging.
The US is likely to experience an acute shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2034, and nursing shortages are an even bigger concern. Because of the mounting pressure on existing resources, stress and burnout are rampant. CDC notes that 46% of health workers reported frequent burnout in 2022, a significantly higher percentage compared to 32% in 2018.
Undoubtedly, there is a need to do more to improve your work-life balance as a healthcare professional. While there are no shortcuts to achieving this goal, these best practices can help you maintain equilibrium and give your best without feeling burned out.
Table of Contents
Maintain a Realistic Schedule
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that physicians worked 47.9 hours per week on average in 2022, higher than the average of 40 hours for other professionals. Moreover, healthcare workers often have long shifts, work during weekends, and may be called in to cover emergencies. Your schedule can easily become unrealistic as you do your best to save lives and help patients heal.
However, pushing oneself too hard to keep up with an unreasonable schedule will eventually lead to burnout. As you organize your schedule, remember to be compassionate and not set unrealistic goals for yourself. Also, be assertive about your working hours unless situations actually call for extra hours.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is an equally critical aspect of maintaining your work-life balance as a medical professional. Define specific “on duty” time when you are fully dedicated to work responsibilities. Similarly, set designated times for rest, relaxation, and personal activities and stick with them consistently.
You may have to establish a strict schedule and boundaries effectively with colleagues and supervisors in this context. Also, avoid bringing work-related tasks or concerns home to keep your boundaries intact. Of course, you must be available when your job needs you to be there, but learn how to distinguish such situations.
Prioritize Self-Care
A 2022 study established that US medical students engaging in self-care report a higher quality of life and less stress. Doing a bit for yourself can help replenish your physical, emotional, and mental energy reserves. Begin with the basics, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
Activities that promote relaxation and stress relief can prevent burnout and enhance your productivity. Even something as simple as improving your appearance can make you feel good about going to work daily. For healthcare professionals, comfort should be a priority. The comfortable and durable Carhartt scrubs for medical professionals are an ideal example of ergonomic design and all-day comfort.
A1 Scrubs notes that healthcare professionals should look for softness and flexibility in scrubs to get through long hospital shifts. Moreover, they should seek durable garments that retain color and form despite daily washing. Feeling good and confident every day will definitely make you better at work.
Delegate and Collaborate
Delegation and collaboration are crucial in all work settings, even more so in the healthcare industry. It can lower effort and avoid burnout without compromising patient care. Be open to delegating tasks to colleagues or support staff as necessary. At the same time, be ready to help them when they need you to pitch in.
Delegating allows you to focus on your primary responsibilities and avoid getting overburdened due to an excessive workload. Cultivating a collaborative work atmosphere where team members assist each other builds a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Overall, these factors improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
Cultivate Work-Life Integration
Work-life integration is the secret to achieving a perfect balance in your personal and professional life as a medical professional. Rather than perceiving work and home life as distinct entities, find ways to foster a sense of synergy between them. You can do it by incorporating aspects of your personal life into the workday.
For example, consider taking short breaks to connect with loved ones and time for hobbies and interests outside of work hours. You can try activities that promote relaxation during downtime at work. Commit to scheduling a yearly break to travel and spend quality time with loved ones. You will return refreshed and ready to go.
In conclusion, achieving work-life balance in rigorous healthcare settings sounds like a challenging feat. You may struggle to visualize yourself taking a break when your patients need you. However, you can give your best to both worlds, provided you are ready to commit to self-care and honesty toward your profession with these actionable strategies.
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