One of the proudest moments of your career was probably when you graduated and received your degree. You were then able to find a job in “the real world.” For many of you, this sensation was increased tenfold on the day you first stepped into your new workplace after landing that nursing job. Fortunately, many nurses can go on for decades before retiring without so much as a complaint. However, other nurses may feel the opposite and abandon their trade to take on other professional pursuits.

The truth is, many nurses fall victim to common hazards in the profession, most of which are caused by the workplace. Personal loss or tragedy, very long work hours and unrelenting shifts, the pressure of dealing with difficult patients, a toxic workplace environment, and staffing issues are just a few factors that contribute towards the current nursing shortage.

As a nurse, it’s very easy to forget that you too are human beings and that you also need to take care of your health to provide the best care to your patients. However, the effects of fatigue and burnout can slowly accumulate at a rate that we hardly notice. It can even make you sick. Suddenly, you will struggle to get out of bed, or dream of being trapped in your hospital, and you will begin to wonder if you made the right choice in becoming a nurse.

Nurses frequently experience all of these symptoms throughout their careers. While not everyone has the same level of emotional intelligence that allows them to cope with these conditions unscathed, there are several practices that anyone can use to counteract them, and even rediscover the spark in their professional lives.

Set Clear Goals

One of the most common mistakes that anyone (not just nurses) makes is resting on their laurels. Sure, you made it through nursing school and are now working at the hospital of your dream, but what now? Is that all you wanted from your professional life? Not having a clear vision of your goals is one of the main reasons as to why many nurses become frustrated with their career choice. In this sense, it’s important to set a goal and always be working towards it.

Made it through nursing school? Now get a job. Landed that dream job? Now try working in different departments to gain more experience. Also, pursuing higher education is also great for when you start to apply for better positions. You might want to consider earning a Masters degree in Nursing, or some other academic degree to help boost your career.

Take a Day Off

Life as a nurse is tough; you don’t need us to tell you that. Furthermore, remaining 24/7 in the role of a nurse can be downright hazardous to your health. Sure, you might be the most-qualified medical professional in the household, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick to your nursing mentality all day. In this sense, try to schedule one day of the week or month to dedicate it to yourself; have some fun once in a while: go to a spa, go shopping, or take it easy at your local park. Regardless of what your favorite activity may be, try to avoid nursing as much as you can on that particular day.

Impart Your Knowledge

An excellent way to bolster your confidence in the workplace is by acting as a mentor to some of the newer staff members who don’t quite know their way around the facility yet. Remember the excitement that you felt during your first days on the job? Now, do you also remember how lost you were back then? We’re pretty sure that the same still applies even to this day. In this sense, ask around if your organization has some mentoring or preceptor program so you can sign up and help the new members get acquainted with the facility.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

While your body is vital for moving around and getting stuff done, your brain—as well as your mind—is just as critical as it’s the part of your body that calls the shots! In this sense, your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. If you’re feeling too bummed out to the point of not being able to get anything done, or are constantly fatigued despite getting enough sleep, you might need to see a counselor. Burnout is a serious condition that can lead to severe consequences if left unchecked. This is common in those who are under extreme mental and emotional strain during extended periods of time.

If All Else Fails, Look For Better Opportunities

What matters most is that you feel pleased with your career decisions. The fact that you feel inadequate with your current role doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re done with nursing. There are many high-paying nursing positions available for those who fulfill the necessary prerequisites. Perhaps you could look for another position within your workplace, and see if any of these catches your eye. In this sense, maybe the spark that will reignite the passion in your career is right there under your nose!

All you need to do is find it, grab on tight, and never let it go!