Covid-19 is slowing down across the U.S., but for many in the healthcare field the pandemic is far from over—and the lingering mental, emotional and physical scars are leaving a lasting impact on those on the frontlines. And despite caregivers’ “people-first, self-second” training and mentality, it’s crucial to recognize that burnout, isolation, fear and other triggering emotions can affect even the strongest and most tenured clinicians.
In fact, a survey conducted by the Washington Post found that 29% of healthcare workers are considering leaving the field because of Covid-related burnout, while six in 10 say stress from the pandemic has harmed their mental health.
As the vice president of clinical and quality assurance at Medical Solutions, Amber Barna (BSN, RN) works closely with travelers and healthcare facilities to identify ways to address workplace burnout and improve overall clinician health. Here are a few of her tips:
- Prevent isolation and seclusion. Isolation and seclusion among clinicians, especially travelers in new cities and assignments, was extremely prevalent during Covid. Fear of exposing loved ones to the virus kept clinicians away from their homes and away from activities that others were still able to do, like going to the grocery store. Now that cities are starting to reopen, consider sharing travel ideas and activities to do in the area that still limit potential exposure and abide by any facility or location safety protocols in place.
- Improve workplace offerings. Many facilities are recognizing the need for a designated relaxation space at work and are creating decompression or resilience rooms for clinicians to utilize—if only for a few minutes. Provide enough space for stretching and meditation and include soothing music or aromatherapy to stimulate calmness. Also consider hosting group psychotherapy sessions for clinicians to share their feelings with others in their position or offering free massages after stressful shifts.
- Be flexible. Now more than ever, clinicians need the ability and flexibility to escape. Consider increasing paid time off hours or extended leave opportunities so staff can visit family or take a much-needed vacation (or staycation). This will give employees time to disconnect from the stress of work and come back refreshed and with a clear mind.
- Increase communication and address problems in real-time. Communication around staffing, personal protective equipment and government restrictions was at an all-time high during the pandemic—adding to stress brought on by day-to-day work. Consider creating a special hotline or social media page for employees to ask questions and be proactive in sharing staffing or crisis plans so clinicians can focus on what’s really important—caring for their patients.
If you are interested in learning more about our services and how we are helping healthcare systems combat post-pandemic clinician burnout, you can learn more here or call us at 866-633-3548.