I recognized the negative effects of burnout as a newly graduated nurse almost 33 years ago, and I promised myself I would one day do something to make the workplace healthier for other new nurses. For the past 10 years, I have focused on combatting burnout among nursing professionals by helping to increase their personal resilience and by building resilient teams to address the bigger systems issues that lead to burnout cultures.

Whether the current health crisis has you feeling overworked, facing a shortage of personal protection equipment, juggling added family responsibilities, worried about finances or any number of other stressors during this unprecedented time in history, you’re not alone. I’ve heard caregiver stories of fear, uncertainty, dread, grief, despair, sadness and anger—and you may be experiencing a rollercoaster of all these emotions.

During times like these, it can help to tune into your personal protective factors, which have been described as “individual or environmental characteristics, conditions, or behaviors that reduce the effects of stressful life events.”⁴ They may vary from person to person, and it’s important to remember that a positive response may not come naturally to you, especially considering the enormity of the situation.

• You may not feel like going for a walk, but you can choose to anyway.
• You may not feel like talking to a trusted friend, but you choose to reach out.
• You may not feel like laughing, but you choose to find humor in the moment.

Those who are highly resilient make these kinds of positive choices, typically using some of their personal protective factors.

Determine your purpose
The evidence is clear that people who find meaning during times of stress or adversity experience positive health benefits. One way to find purpose is to see difficult situations as a way to learn and grown.

1. What am I learning today that will be useful to me in the future?
2. How will my work be improved?
3. How will my relationships be improved?
4. How will my current policies and processes be improved?
5. How will the essence of nursing be changed for the better?

A sense of belonging can also help boost your resilience, particularly when you’re hurting. Sometimes that requires actually scheduling time to connect with your support network. Think about the people who you trust and can go to when you’re scared, emotionally exhausted or angry, and find a way to connect with them, especially if you live alone.

Belief in a higher power can help build resilience in even the grimmest situations. It also offers a direct path to many other protective factors, including hope, optimism, perseverance and support. If you want to use your faith as a protective factor, sneak in moments for regular prayer, meditation or worship.

Furthering your education is both a short-term and ongoing way to help decrease burnout and rekindle your passion for your career.³ In fact, a LinkedIn study shows that 94 percent of employees would stay at a job longer if the employer invested in their career.⁵ Look into educational opportunities at your facility or check out the many options Medline offers to help empower nurses, such as the Skin Champion program, skin health Best Practice Guides and Tools, and a full selection of continuing education courses through Medline University.

Be intentional in your focus on personal health. Maintain a healthy diet, prioritize sleep and exercise. If possible, get outside, even if only for a 5- or 10-minute walk. Avoid the constant barrage of distressing news by limiting your time online.

Give yourself permission to take a humor break from the constant media flood of discouraging news. Watch a funny movie or video, read a lighthearted book, gather friends or family for a virtual game night.

You may be experiencing a lot of disruption in your normal routines, but you can maintain a healthy and informed perspective by being openminded and flexible. This is especially relevant to work-related practices and policies that may be shifting to accommodate more and sicker patients. Recognize the gift in the opportunities for change.

There is nothing to be ashamed of in admitting you’re overwhelmed and might need professional help to get you through this time. Beyond reaching out to your support network, lean on the professional resources available to you through your employer and community. Right now, there are a variety of telehealth options for mental health screening through your state health department, local hospital and professional psychological organizations.

• American Psychiatric Association
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255

You have unique personal protective factors that you can tap into at any time. By consciously and intentionally integrating these resilience strategies and concepts into your daily life, they can help you face immense challenges, adversity and stressors.

Dr. Teresa M. Stephens PhD, MSN, RN, CNE is associate professor, RNBSN Lead Faculty, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina. She is a clinical consultant to Medline Industries, LP