Work-life balance is important to everyone, but it’s especially important for those in healthcare careers. Why? Because without striving for work-life balance, people in the healthcare professions may not have one! There may seem to always be pressure to work more shifts, work longer or even to think about work from patients, supervisors, and even from yourself.
Part of the work pressure is there are not enough people in the healthcare field as needed. Within the next decade, 2.4 million more healthcare workers will be needed to fill the available jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Part of the pressure may come from our own high standards; we always want to do a good job for our patients.
Work-life balance is important for healthcare professionals. Without it, we will burn out and end up not serving ourselves, our families or our patients as well as we might. Here are three ways to ensure a good work-life balance
1. Set your boundaries and maintain them
Whether it’s the insistent call of technology telling us to check in 24/7 or a patient or co-worker who wants to talk at length after your shift is over, there are many factors that can keep you working or thinking about work in your personal time.
The answer is to set your boundaries and maintain them. Make it clear you will not check email or social media after a certain time. Keep that time clear for yourself and your family. Develop strategies for cutting short conversations that interfere with your personal time. They could be as simple as saying a family member is waiting for you. Be polite but firm.
2. Make a list of priorities
It often isn’t possible to get to everything we want done in a week. Make a list of what is most essential and important to accomplish. It could be family time, childcare, going to school, work, grocery shopping or a hobby.
Then, feel free to let everything not connected to a priority not get done. You may have to delegate at work. Housework may not be a priority at home.
3. Take steps to maintain your own health
It’s easy to let self-care and even our health slip when we are struggling with work-life balance. Perhaps we don’t get enough sleep, night after night. Maybe we don’t eat right, but hit fast food and snack food because it’s quick and available. Maybe we work through colds and coughs during the winter.
Neglecting the steps to maintain your own health is really important for people in healthcare. Without it, we can’t work with patients at an optimal level. We may even become sick and unable to work. We can’t be there for our families. So make sure you get at least 7 hours’ worth of sleep. Eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. All of this makes you less vulnerable to colds and coughs.
Work with Expert Staffing to advance your healthcare career!
There are many exciting jobs in healthcare for qualified and experienced people. To find out about opportunities in your area, contact us today.
