2020 has been anything but normal, hasn’t it? “Normal” seems to be a thing of the past, and it seems that every day presents new challenges and new changes to the ways that we care for our patients. We’ve dealt with frequent policy changes, reassignments (sometimes without adequate training), inadequate PPE, constant supply shortages, and low staffing. And while some of our O.R.’s came bouncing back from the shut-down with an increased surgical volume and crazy busy days, others never did. Job security became job uncertainty and lack of hours, loss of pay, or unemployment became a harsh reality for some of you.
We have faced all of these challenges head-on for almost a year, and it’s been exhausting. Higher stress levels and increased fatigue have many of us teetering on the edge of burn-out, while fear, anxiety, and depression are on the rise among all healthcare workers – including those of us who work in the operating room. 1
December is here, but everything isn’t “wonderful.”
Now December is upon us, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but in a strange, socially distanced kind of way. What’s typically a very busy time of year for the O.R. is now mixed with uncertainty over our continued ability to even perform elective cases. So whether it’s the increased workload from scheduling as many patients as possible before the end of the year, or it’s the rise in fear and anxiety due to the potential for another round of cancelled cases, we’re living and working in the most wonderful stressful time of the year.
And really, that’s only skimming the surface. We all have personal battles and challenges as well, that don’t go away the moment that we clock in. Yet, we show up for our shifts, day in and day out, laying our personal issues aside, and give everything we’ve got to care for others.
While setting aside personal issues is something we’ve always done when we show up to work, it’s harder this year.
Putting aside worry and concern for our own health and safety while we risk exposure on a daily basis is hard. It’s difficult to do our jobs when we don’t have supplies, when our PPE is running low, or when our staffing is inadequate. It’s challenging to focus when we’re worried about the health of a sick family member or friend. And honestly, it’s just really hard to keep giving when we’re exhausted and have nothing left to give.
In a year that’s been so demanding, and brought so many challenges, we have to take the time to refill our own tanks. We can’t just keep going, ignoring our own physical, mental, and spiritual health. We have to take the time to care for ourselves. Our health and well-being is important, too.
How do we take care of ourselves during such a demanding time of year?
The obvious answer for our physical health is to eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water. We all know this. But we also work in the O.R. Oftentimes our long days turn into longer nights and then we show back up at work after an abysmal amount of sleep, throw some coffee down the hatch, and start all over again. It’s not pretty, but too often it’s our reality.
Yes, work days are hectic and chaotic, and managing stress and fatigue can be very challenging. That’s why it’s so important that we use our time off to take care of ourselves. Make yourself a priority. Get a decent night’s sleep. Hydrate. Eat well and maybe cook extra so that you have a healthy meal to take to work the next day. Go to the gym, go for a walk, or do anything that you enjoy that gets you moving. Doing all of these things might seem overwhelming, but focus on whatever helps you the most.
Our physical health is directly affected by our mental health. Therefore, it is vital that we put as much effort into caring for our mental health as we do our physical health. Among other things, “neglecting your mental health can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, asthma, and obesity.”2
But wait, there’s more…
Earlier this year, in response the the Covid-19 crisis, the International Council of Nurses reported that nurses are at “high-risk for full-blown stress response syndromes, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic illness and burnout.” They also reported “strong evidence that nurses are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress.”3 The stressors are coming from so many directions, too. Increased workloads, low staffing, lack of supplies, financial pressures, childcare issues, feeling unsupported by management, or coping with the death of patients, coworkers, or family members are all taking their toll, and chipping away at our resiliency, day, by day, by day.
Our mental and physical health is at risk due to prolonged exposure to the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most people are willing to admit when they have a physical ailment or issue, and family and friends are quick to help when there is a outward problem. However, mental health issues often get ignored or avoided. Why aren’t we just as quick to help when the issue is mental? Why do we avoid, shun, and judge those who are honest about their struggles? There is nothing wrong with wanting to talk to someone. We aren’t weak if we need help managing stress or coping with loss. It is vital that we end the stigma associated with mental health, and recognize that there is no shame in admitting that we need help.
Take advantage of counseling services, either through your workplace, church, or community. Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Seek out opportunities for rest and recovery after challenging shifts. Maybe you need time with family and friends to feel re-energized, or perhaps you need time alone to truly feel recharged. Whatever works best for you, take the time to take care of you and focus on your mental health.
Prioritize what’s most important.
2020 has been a hard year, and its taken a toll on all of us in so many ways. During this holiday season, figure out what’s truly important to you, and make that your priority. This isn’t the year for running around crazy trying to please others, and putting on the appearance of Pinterest perfection. Focus on you, on your family, and whatever it is that truly brings peace and happiness to you and your household.
Take care of you. Make yourself a priority. Give yourself the gift of a healthy mind, body, and soul this Christmas.
XOXO,
Melanie
Sources:
- https://www.aorn.org/about-aorn/aorn-newsroom/periop-today-newsletter/2020/2020-articles/3-steps-to-combat-depression
- https://nurse.org/articles/nurse-mental-health-days/#:~:text=A%20depressed%20nurse%20may%20find,nurses%20also%20struggle%20with%20anxiety.
- https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/mental-health/global-nursing-body-issues-warning-on-nurse-mental-health-during-covid-19-crisis-30-04-2020