[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses face several challenges that may influence their desire to leave nursing, most of which have been spotlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, nurses face unprecedented amounts of stress.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adina Maynard, an experienced, certified oncology nurse, says she left bedside nursing when life circumstances required greater flexibility. Another challenge that leads to nurses leaving the profession, she says, is the mentality that nurses need to “take one for the team.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nurses need to speak up and stand up for themselves … versus working extra hours due to pressure by management to cover shifts due to lack of staff,” Maynard says. “This is difficult for nurses to do at times because they understand that patient care will ultimately take the hit.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is also not uncommon for staff to be overworked and understaffed. Chris Crady is a full-time registered nurse who left his job at a level 1 pediatric emergency room to work in dental anesthesia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crady’s reasons for leaving bedside nursing were long hours and poor staffing. He moved to a less stressful environment, an excellent care team model, and great hours, he says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]Read on to find out more about nursing challenges and ways you can explore alternative career options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top 5 Challenges Faced by Nurses Today[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may have guessed that a lack of flexibility, feeling unheard by management, and being overworked and understaffed are common challenges faced by nurses today. However, other challenges also inform the strategies needed to improve support for nurses and raise retention.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Unprecedented Stress Under COVID-19[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses have been on the front lines of healthcare during the pandemic. They have provided care during extreme circumstances as health authorities did not focus on treatments but advised the country to wait for a vaccine. Patients were asked to stay home until they were very ill and were then admitted to the hospital for supportive care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals were overwhelmed with the number of sick patients at a time when there was already a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link]. According to J. Maben and J. Bridges, nurses experienced the highest levels of stress in 2020 compared to other professions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”You add the COVID crisis to the existing issues like missing meals, lack of breaks, mandatory shifts, being held over, and being understaffed, burnout is a likely end scenario,” Crady says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the U.K., the Royal College of Nursing reported that nurses “repeatedly” felt ignored by employers when they discussed their mental health. Organizations have emphasized resilience in the face of understaffing, but this mentality displaces blame onto nurses and lets “organizations off the hook.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]2. Lack of Boundaries and Self-care[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing is a challenging career at the best of times. Nurses meet their patients at some of the worst times in their lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During each shift, nurses must take great care to deliver the right medications, make the correct assessments, and ensure the safety of their patients. At the end of a long day, many nurses go home to further care for their families.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This lack of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//self-care-for-nurses/”]self-care for nurses[/hen-ui-link] and poorly established boundaries can lead to burnout. Maynard describes a “need to speak up and stand up for themselves (take care of you so that you can take care of others).”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]In 2004, the American Journal of Nursing called the solution to burnout “simple, but perhaps not easy: self-care.” Self-care is what you do for yourself to maintain health and prevent disease.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must also establish professional boundaries with their patients and their managers. This ensures patient and personal safety. For example, patients can misinterpret behavior when professional boundaries are crossed. It is also essential that nurses say “no” to avoid taking on more responsibility than they can handle.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Burnout occurs more easily when nurses feel obligated to accept every task. They may also take on more responsibility, such as picking up extra shifts or working longer hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Understaffing and the high need for care during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased pressure to pick up extra shifts or sacrifice taking a day off, even when it’s best for the individual nurse. For some, taking a day off isn’t even an option.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Nurses Are Stretched Thin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experts had anticipated a nursing shortage well before the COVID-19 pandemic. As the baby boomer generation ages, there are a rising number of senior adults with complex health problems. Baby boomers in healthcare are also retiring. The combination of not enough facilities or educators in nursing programs, and a retiring workforce, has accelerated the anticipated shortage.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The additional strain from the pandemic identified several gaps in the system that have affected patient care. Nursing units are working short-staffed. This places an immense burden on working nurses to practice safely in an understaffed environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crady says it is a vicious cycle.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nurses don’t want to work at facilities that are short-staffed, yet those same facilities need them so that they are not short-staffed to begin with,” Crady says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Nurses Need to Be Able to Slow Down[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The biggest benefits from safe nurse-to-patient ratios include:[/hen-ui-text]

• Lower mortality rates
• Improved satisfaction
• Nurse retention
• Better patient outcomes

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In one study, researchers followed nurses over two years. They found nurses spent 37% of their time with patients and the remainder on indirect tasks. Past research shows that the more time a nurse spends at the bedside in direct face-to-face patient care, the less likely it is that patients will suffer from falls, medication errors, and infections.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Given the opportunity to slow down and spend time with patients, nurses are less likely to be stressed and experience burnout. This supports [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/how-to-support-nurses-considering-resigning/”]retention rates[/hen-ui-link] of experienced nurses whose knowledge and expertise then serve to improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maynard emphasizes the importance of addressing the systems that create obstacles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”We need to slow down,” she says. “And yet, healthcare in the U.S. has created systems and processes that do not allow for nurses to have adequate time with their patients.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]5. Nurses Need Mental Health Days and Adequate Breaks[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health is intimately related to your physical health and your ability to function at home and work. Your mental health contributes significantly to the development of burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The symptoms of burnout can be overwhelming and disturbing, such as:[/hen-ui-text]

• Exhaustion not alleviated by more sleep
• Cynicism
• Depression
• Irritability
• Lack of focus

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These symptoms can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and greater vulnerability to illness.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help reduce the potential risk of burnout, nurses should consider the need for more mental health days for nurses and take adequate breaks during their shifts. However, these strategies require safe nurse-to-patient ratios in the hospital.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses and nurse leaders need to [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nurse-activism-ways-nurses-can-affect-real-change/”]advocate for change[/hen-ui-link] in the hospital system to improve retention rates and allow staff to take the necessary breaks to lower the potential risk of burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Advice for Nurses Considering Changing Careers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’ve been considering changing careers, some options allow you to use your nursing education while taking you away from bedside care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Explore Lateral Shifts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, if you are looking for low-stress [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/non-bedside-jobs-for-nurses/”]nonhospital jobs for nurses[/hen-ui-link] you have several options to consider. These include positions that use your writing, coaching, or consulting skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On the other hand, if you’ve been intrigued by remote work, some options fit your needs as well. There are several nursing jobs you can do from home.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maynard, Crady, and Heather Sweeney, a senior talent sourcing partner with a focus in nursing, offer advice to nurses considering switching careers. They can relate to the need for change. Use the advice to form an effective strategic plan as you move forward.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are thinking of leaving bedside nursing, it is possible to move into a job where you can still use your nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Trust Your Instinct[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re feeling burnt out or need a break from bedside, trust your instinct and follow your heart. If you are considering leaving bedside nursing, it is possible to move into a job where you can still use your nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”This may sound cliche, but follow your heart,” Maynard says. “You only have one life to live, so live it on your terms. At the end of your life, no one ever said, ‘I wish I had picked up one more shift.'”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses feeling like their emotional, mental, or overall wellness is not being attended to or feel it would be best to make a career change, Maynard stresses nurses prioritize themselves and look for a more suitable lateral shift.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”If you are in a position now that makes you ponder changing careers, don’t be ashamed that it may be too much,” Crady says. “Know when to say ‘I have had enough,’ and find something in nursing more along your comfort zone.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many nursing career jobs available at nearly every stress and difficulty level; nurses should be able to find something that fits their needs. Consider the skills you learned in school and working as a nurse. How can those translate into a new career or a new industry?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you change careers or jobs, be a detective during the interview process. This is a time when you have the opportunity to interview your potential new employer. Ask questions to ensure that you and the work culture are a good fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]3. Ground Yourself in Your “Why”[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For nurses looking for the encouragement to stay rather than leave, Maynard suggests grounding yourself in your purpose behind choosing nursing in the first place. Seek the mental support you need to continue in your current role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Knowing your purpose, or your ‘why’ keeps you focused in life and passionate about attaining your goal,” Maynard says. “When you are discouraged from daily stress, it’s important to take a step back and recognize your need for mental health support.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may benefit from a mental health day and likely need to take better self-care. However, she says, don’t overlook your intuition. If, after caring for yourself, you still want to leave nursing, then make a plan and do it.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maynard says that the current healthcare system isn’t broken; it’s just incomplete. Patients and families deserve better than what our current healthcare system can provide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]4. Advocate for Change[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may be in the right position to advocate for change in your hospital system. Nurse-led advocacy can create change that leads to higher retention levels for experienced nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare legislation and reform affects us all. Explore more [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nurse-activism-ways-nurses-can-affect-real-change/”]ways nurses can advocate[/hen-ui-link] for real change. Change starts with being informed, then getting involved.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can join state and local [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//professional-nursing-associations/”]professional nursing organizations[/hen-ui-link], get involved in the policy process, donate to causes advocating for healthcare reform, and use their position as a nurse to advocate for change by contacting news organizations or speaking out on social media.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Adina Maynard” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1634578494/experts/Adina_Maynard.jpg” img-alt=”Adina Maynard” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nurseadina.com”]Adina Maynard[/hen-ui-link] is an experienced oncology-certified nurse. She has spent the last 12 years working at some of the most prestigious centers around the country such as the National Institutes of Health, The James Cancer Center, Duke Cancer Center, and City of Hope. Her website Nurse Adina allows cancer patients, along with their families and friends, to tap into her experience and knowledge base.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Chris Crady” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1634578169/experts/Chris_Crady.jpg” img-alt=”Chris Crady” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Chris Crady is a full-time registered nurse working with SmileMD, a healthcare startup that brings accessible healthcare to people who need it. With over 20 years of working in patient care and over 12 years of working in hospitals, Crady brings a breadth of knowledge and experience to the care team. He enjoys the opportunity to impact such a high number of patient’s lives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Heather Sweeney” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1634576280/experts/Heather_Sweeney.jpg” img-alt=”Heather Sweeney” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”https://heathersweeney.com/” target=”_blank”]Heather Sweeney[/hen-ui-link] is a senior talent sourcing partner with a specialty in nursing. She has been a registered nurse for more than eight years. Sweeney is also a personal mentor, mindfulness coach, and inspirational speaker. Her career began in financial services before returning to school for nursing. She then moved into talent sourcing and coaching. Sweeney believes that anything is possible when we put our minds to it.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]