Why is self-care important for nurses? Self-care helps prevent burnout while improving nurses’ well-being and supporting their ability to provide excellent patient care. Self-care for nurses can include eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep, as well as setting professional boundaries and enjoying personal hobbies.
Self-care for nurses is critical, considering the challenging course load in nursing school and the demanding nature of a nursing career. Even when short on time, it’s important to care for your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Doing so can help you thrive in nursing school and throughout your career.
At Felician University, we encourage our nursing students to maintain good self-care practices throughout nursing school and beyond. Our Hybrid and On-Ground Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months, offering a rigorous, values-based curriculum that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Before starting your nursing education, explore why nursing and self-care go hand in hand. Learn why self-care is also important for your patients, how to identify the signs of burnout, and how to prevent burnout in nursing with self-care strategies.
Why Is Self-Care Important for Nurses?
Nursing can be a high-stress career. In many nursing specialties, registered nurses (RNs) work long shifts and spend hours on their feet in fast-paced environments. Many nurses juggle high patient caseloads and sometimes face the emotional difficulty of losing a patient. Additionally, as caregivers, nurses may develop compassion fatigue.
For all these reasons, nursing can be a demanding field, and so self-care for nurses is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional wellness and preventing burnout. With good self-care, nurses can continue to enjoy their work without feeling burned out and maintain a better work-life balance. Self-care for nurses working in isolating situations is particularly important, as human connection is vital to emotional health.
Discover how to become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
How Self-Care in Nursing Improves Patient Care and Performance
Nurses and self-care practices go hand in hand, benefiting both nurses and their patients. Nurses who are well-rested, physically healthy, and emotionally balanced are better able to care for their patients and perform effectively.
A lack of self-care can lead to a poor work-life balance and burnout. As seen in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network, nurse burnout is associated with lower healthcare quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Common Challenges Nurses Face That Impact Self-Care
Despite the importance of self-care in nursing, it isn’t always easy to practice. One of the most significant challenges nurses face in caring for themselves is the lack of time. In many nursing specialties, 12-hour shifts are typical, and nurses may find themselves working overtime when co-workers call in sick. Similarly, nurses often skip meal breaks when they have high patient caseloads and too much work to do.
In short, some of the top challenges in nursing that can negatively affect self-care include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling obligated to put others’ needs first
- High workload
- Insufficient support from management
- Lack of time
- Night shifts
- Personal obligations/family responsibilities
These challenges are predictable, and while you may experience them during your career, know that you can take steps to alleviate them. They may be common, but they are not permanent.
Signs of Burnout in Nursing
Professional burnout is more than just feeling stressed out. Often caused by severe, chronic stress, burnout is mental and physical exhaustion. Nurses who experience burnout may feel emotionally distant from their patients, co-workers, and even family members. They may develop a cynical attitude toward work and struggle to empathize with their patients.
Other signs of nurse burnout can include:
- Decreased work ethic
- Feeling emotionally drained
- Feeling panicked prior to a shift
- Frequently making mistakes
- Irritability
- Poor work performance
- Withdrawal from activities and personal and professional relationships
It’s also possible for nursing students to develop burnout. Students may frequently miss classes and fail to participate when they attend. They may have trouble focusing on their work, fail to turn in assignments, and get lower test scores.
Burnout can also lead to physical symptoms in both nurses and students. These include:
- Appetite changes
- Chronic fatigue
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Poor immune response; frequent colds
- Sleep disturbances
It’s important to know the signs of burnout, so you can make adjustments before feelings become severe. Burnout is a common challenge across all professions, not just nursing, but not every nurse experiences it. Students and nurses can take steps to prioritize self-care, alleviating burnout and allowing them to continue doing what they love.
Learn more about burnout in nursing, including solutions.
Building Self-Care Habits Early in Nursing School
Practicing self-care in nursing school can help establish a foundation of smart habits that will serve you well throughout your career. First, focus on your physical health. Follow a consistent sleep schedule. Try to exercise on most days of the week. Do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to get your heart rate up in less time. Pack healthy snacks for long days at school and clinical rotations.
Turn to your nursing cohort for emotional support and human connection, and make use of your school’s academic resources. Don’t hesitate to ask your nursing instructors for extra help when needed. Schedule half an hour of “me time” on most days of the week to enjoy your favorite activities.
How to Prevent Burnout in Nursing With Self-Care Strategies
If you establish good self-care habits in nursing school, you may find it easier to practice self-care as a working nurse. Continue being mindful of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Try to follow the same healthy lifestyle advice you’d give your patients.
Additional tips for self-care for nurses include:
- Ask co-workers for help when your patient caseload is too high. Be there for them when they’re busy and stressed.
- Avoid skipping meal breaks and remember to drink enough water.
- Do deep breathing exercises to manage stress.
- Meal prep to make it easier to eat well despite long shifts.
- Get outside and enjoy nature on days off.
- Learn to say no when you have a full plate.
- Leave your work behind at the end of each shift. When you get home, try to be fully present with your loved ones.
- Try new activities and hobbies. Build an enriching personal life outside of work.
Some nurses may also find that investing in professional development helps them avoid compassion fatigue and nursing burnout. Additionally, while it might seem counterintuitive given the time commitment, volunteering for a few hours each month can support your emotional and spiritual wellness.
If you start to feel stressed or notice any signs of burnout, it’s important to seek help right away. Talk to a loved one about what you’re going through and consider visiting a mental health counselor.
Set Yourself Up for Success in Nursing School at Felician University
Felician University supports our nursing students with highly flexible learning options, extensive NCLEX-RN prep, and a proven legacy of practice-focused nursing education. Our values-based curriculum prepares our nursing students to become effective advocates and leaders.
Request more information and connect with our admissions team today to learn if our On-Ground or Hybrid ABSN program in New Jersey is right for you.