Healthcare is one of the most rewarding yet demanding industries, and the risk of burnout is real. As a student preparing to enter this field, it’s crucial to understand how to maintain your wellbeing while managing the challenges that come with the job. Pharmacy students recently had the chance to hear from Marissa Langett, Experiential Specialist within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Binghamton University. Marissa shared information on burnout and well-being within the healthcare industry. Keep reading to learn about what Marissa shared!
What is Burnout?
Burnout, recognized by the World Health Organization, is a result of chronic workplace stress. It has three key symptoms:
- Exhaustion: Constant fatigue beyond physical tiredness.
- Depersonalization: Feeling disconnected from your work or patients.
- Reduced Professional Efficacy: Struggling to feel effective at your job despite your efforts.
The Importance of Wellbeing
Wellbeing is about more than being stress-free. It involves mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as feeling satisfied and purposeful in your work. Maintaining your wellbeing is essential not only for your own health but also for providing the best care for patients.
Tips to Prevent Burnout
Here’s how you can avoid burnout as you prepare for a healthcare career:
- Prioritize Your Workload
Manage your time by focusing on what’s essential. Learn to say no (or not right now) to avoid unnecessary stress. - Build Resilience
Stay connected to your purpose, learn new skills, and use healthy coping mechanisms like exercise or mindfulness. - Practice Self-Care
Make time for yourself—whether through breaks, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care keeps you balanced. - Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, friends, or counselors when you need help managing stress. - Find Meaning in Your Work
Remember why you chose healthcare. Reflect on how your efforts are making a difference, even on tough days.
Well-being Tools and Resources
The following list is a sampling of tools that can help students not only recognize the signs of burnout early but also equip them with strategies to prevent and recover from it.
- Headspace or Calm apps: These mindfulness and meditation apps help manage stress, improve focus, and promote better sleep, all of which can aid in preventing burnout.
- “The Burnout Doctor Podcast”: Hosted by Dr. Jessica Louie, a pharmacist who talks about avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and living a more fulfilling career.
- “The Happiness Lab”: Dr. Laurie Santos shares research-based strategies for improving mental health and reducing burnout.
- “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski: This book explores how to manage the stress cycle to prevent burnout, with practical tips tailored for high-stress environments like healthcare.
- “The Resilient Healthcare Professional” by Dr. Jaime Hope: A resource specifically for healthcare workers focusing on maintaining resilience and preventing burnout.
- Coursera offers courses like “Resilience Skills in a Time of Uncertainty” by the University of Pennsylvania. It teaches skills for stress management and resilience building, crucial for healthcare workers.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides mental health resources, including information on burnout and support hotlines.
Looking Ahead
A career in healthcare can be fulfilling if you take steps to prevent burnout early on. By managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining your wellbeing, you’ll be better prepared to thrive in your career and provide exceptional care. Additionally, healthcare organizations have a responsibility to support staff by ensuring proper staffing, offering mental health resources, and creating environments where healthcare workers have the autonomy to do their jobs effectively. As you are entering the workforce, it is important to research employers and ask strategic questions to assess whether supports are in place to reduce burnout – the Fleishman Career Center can help you navigate these questions!
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