5 People You Should Know if You're Feeling Burned Out as a Nurse
Last week I posted about my burnout story. I'm sorry if there was too much victim narrative going on there. I fully acknowledge the part I played in how I ended up stressed out on a daily basis. I know I could've done things differently to manage it in a more healthy way.
There are a several people I've found through social media who have been an inspiration to me when it comes to burnout and investing in yourself. I want to share 5 of them with you! You'll probably recognize them...
Elizabeth Scala
Early on in my google search to find information about nurse burnout, I came across Elizabeth Scala, and if ANYONE is an expert on nurse burnout, it's her. I'm currently reading one of her many books, Stop Nurse Burnout and following her on Instagram. She also has a podcast! I love her Your Next Shift podcast because it features nurses in all sorts of stages of their career and in all kinds of roles, both traditional and nontraditional. If you're looking to get ideas for what you can do as a nurse, listen to a few episodes and hear what her guests have to say (fun fact, the next three names I'm going to mention have been guests on her podcast).
Kati Kleber
Kati Kleber is an excellent resource, especially for new nurses. The material she shares on her FreshRN website, and social media can help create the solid foundation you'll need to be a resilient nurse. She tackles things like secondary trauma and performing a neuro assessment on her blog. She hosts a FreshRN podcast and I just loved reading her book, Becoming Nursey (and she's since come out with more). I strategically left it on the bookshelf in the break room at my last job, hoping some new nurse finds it. I'm also enjoying the opportunity to follow along with her as she pursues her masters degree in Nursing Education!
Kelsey Rowell
I recently found Kelsey Rowell on Instagram and have loved learning more about her nursing journey. She basically did what all of us wish we could do- she worked her LAST shift at the bedside and is now pursuing her dream and passion of being a nurse entreprenuer as a CertifiedHealth Coach through promoting clean eating and utilizing essential oils! Read her story here.
Her blog, Your Heart is Mine, is full of awesome tips like , healthy snacks for your shift and passing the NCLEX. She regularly shares amazing wellness tips and recipes on her Instagram and instastories and you should definitely check her out!
Sean Dent
Sean Dent is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) who does an incredible job teaching and mentoring his fellow medical professionals. I've been following his YouTube channel and Instagram page and I love how he freely shares his knowledge and takes questions from the "tribe" and takes time to provide a thoughtful response.
He worked with Kati Kleber (see above) on launching a FreshNP website and podcast, an incredible resource for nurses considering the NP path or who are already NPs. If you're ever feeling burned out, Sean is an excellent resource to spark your curiosity to make nursing interesting and exciting.
American
Association of
Critical-Care
Nurses
I've been a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) for years now and I wanted to include them in my list of burnout resources for a couple reasons.
Being part of this organization means I have a sense of community with my fellow critical care nurses. I have access to their massive collection of continuing education courses. They provide a path to become certified in certain nursing specialities. Membership means I get a subscription to their nursing journals that come out monthly. I am invited to attend their annual nursing conference, National Teaching Institute (NTI). I went for the first time last year in Houston, TX and loved it! Lastly, one of the things I love about them, they have identified 6 standards healthcare facilities should strive for to be a Healthy Workplace Environment (and yes, appropriate staffing is on the list!).
Even if you aren't a critical care nurse, consider joining a nursing organization specific to what you do. You can go generic and be part of the American Nurses Association (ANA), Student Nurses Association if you're a student, or join the nursing association for the state where you are licensed.
Who do you follow that is an inspiration to you? I'd love to hear in the comments! If you're willing to share, I'm sure there are many in the burnout crew who would love to hear, myself included.