Throughout the COVID pandemic, many healthcare professionals have been pushed to the brink of exhaustion. However, with the right strategies both employers and employees can work to reverse this trend. It’s true. A work-life balance IS possible in healthcare!
Medical Facilities Can Promote a Work-Life Balance in Healthcare By…
- Addressing Staffing Shortages
Undeniably, there is a nursing shortage in the United States. Yet, with a bit of creativity and pre-planning, facilities can take preventative measures to stay fully staffed. In fact, smart businesses embrace effective recruiting and retention tactics to keep their organizations running at peak efficiency. And this, in turn, allows both management and healthcare professionals to have a healthier work-life balance. - Offering Flexibility
Sometimes nurses must work less than ideal hours. Nevertheless, medical facilities can give employees some control over their schedules. For example, they could ask everyone to rank their first, second, and third choice shifts. Then, they could try to accommodate as many of those requests as possible. Of course, this requires coordination, but if medical workers are happier (and thus more engaged), it’s well worth the effort. - Respecting Time Off
Overworked nurses are more likely to quit. And, unfortunately, this leads to a vicious cycle. Current staff ends up working even longer hours causing even more burnout and, therefore, more turnover. Consequently, medical facilities should actively protect their nurses’ time off. This includes mandating breaks throughout the day, limiting overtime, and encouraging everyone to take their vacation time.
Nurses Can Maintain a Work-Life Balance in Healthcare By…
- Using Time Off Wisely
Many nurses have had to work longer hours during the past two years. As a result, it’s more important than ever for them to use their downtime to recharge. Rather than cramming their days off with errands, cleaning, and other chores, they should try to minimize their to-do lists. And shortcuts, such as ordering online or hiring a home cleaning service, are perfectly acceptable. - Prioritizing Self-Care
Sometimes nurses need to put themselves first. After all, healthcare workers who are mentally and physically drained won’t be able to stay focused at work OR enjoy their lives. Prioritizing self-care may involve setting aside non-negotiable blocks of time to exercise, meditate, sleep or simply do something fun. - Finding the Right Job
Being unhappy at work makes everything about life more difficult. Like other professionals, nurses should strive to find supportive and positive cultures that match their personalities. In the end, the right-fit position will make everything about work AND life easier.
Are You Looking for More Ways to Design a Better Healthcare Working Environment?
BOS Medical Staffing publishes insightful articles for both medical facilities and medical staff. And if you’re a manager trying to hire OR a nurse searching for work, we can help what that too. Our recruiters match talented healthcare professionals with top hospitals and facilities throughout the greater Atlanta area. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of partnering with BOS Medical!
