Whether you work at the bedside or serve as the leader of a healthcare organization, you are responsible for ensuring that all patients receive safe, person-centered care. But what about you?
Healthcare is full of highs and lows. One day you’re welcoming new life into the world on a Labor and Delivery unit, and then on the flipside, someone working in long-term is consoling loved ones who are watching their grandfather enter final stages of life.
It can be overwhelming to feel a multitude of emotions at once. And when your entire career is dedicated to serving others and ensuring that they stay as healthy and comfortable as possible, sometimes your own health takes a back seat.
By now, every healthcare worker is familiar with the term “burnout.” It can look different for everyone.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of burnout, prioritizing your health and well-being is critical for a successful career in this industry, as well as in your personal life.
We recognize that you are a whole person outside of your job. And sometimes it’s inevitable that you’ll take the stress home with you.
The bright side is that there are quick and easy ways to keep your physical and mental wellness in check.
Schedule a Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often labeled as “the silent killer.” This is because it often goes undetected. It’s also the leading cause of heart disease.
Being aware of your blood pressure doesn’t have to be difficult. Pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens offer blood pressure checks. You will also get your BP numbers during a wellness check with a primary care provider. or during a wellness check with a primary care provider. If you work in a clinical setting, ask a fellow licensed professional, like a nurse or physician, to take your blood pressure once a week to keep track of any noticeable changes.
Blood pressure testing is typically a no-cost service as it can be billed as part of your yearly wellness visit (preventive screening). You may also want to consider purchasing an at-home blood pressure cuff to monitor your numbers at any time.
Therapy and Counseling
About 1 in 4 adults are living with mental illness. Whether you are experiencing anxiety and depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, working through healthy coping behaviors with a licensed professional can help you take back control. A counselor will work with you to identify your triggers and provide a variety of tools to help you cope in a healthy way. Prefer something virtual? Consider downloading these four mental health apps.
TherapyAid.org offers free and low-cost therapy for healthcare professionals and first responders throughout the United States. To find a therapist near you, just enter your zip code and preferred settings (in-person sessions, virtual, or both).
Not sure if you’re ready to reach out for help? That’s okay. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) breaks down how to tell when it might be time based on your specific signs and symptoms, such as feeling irritable, isolating yourself, or struggling with sleep.
Get an Annual Skin Check
Everyone should feel empowered to detect skin cancer early. The American Cancer Society tells you exactly how to do a skin self-exam and what to look for. However, it’s best to schedule an annual exam with a dermatologist to formally monitor and document any changes in your skin.
A dermatologist is considered a specialist, so there will likely be a small out-of-pocket fee. Keeping up with regular/annual dermatology exams can help you to prevent and detect conditions like psoriasis, eczema, new allergies, and irritants.
Virtual Options
Your time off is valuable. We get that you don’t want to spend your free time driving all over town to appointments and feeling stressed. It can be tough to schedule in-person visits with providers in a timely manner, especially when they’re booked out for months.
Here are a few realistic options that might work better with a busy schedule:
National Hotlines
Looking for a quick resource with links to meditation, sleep improvement, somatic work and more? Download this guide from NurseGroups.
With a handful of tangible resources at your fingertips, our hope is that you intentionally take steps toward healthy habits so that you can become the best possible version of you.
At LeaderStat Travel Nursing, we put emphasis on what we call the Whole You. When thinking about your career move, we help you for the perfect fit based on these four pillars: mind, body, career, and spirit of adventure.