Pause, Breathe, Recharge: Managing Stress in Health Care
It’s 3:45 pm, and I glance up from my charting. The waiting room is packed, three more ambulances are on the way and I haven’t had a chance to eat or use the bathroom in over 7 hours. The dread builds in my chest as I see that the department is still boarding 12 patients, and we’re short two nurses, a tech and radiology reports are delayed by hours.
As an ER and UC PA, this scenario feels all too familiar. The stress of constant chaos is part of the job, but managing it is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain both performance and well-being.
In recognition of April being National Stress Awareness Month, I would like to offer some strategies that have proven effective in managing the emotional demands of this profession while maintaining overall well-being.