Tips for Managing Stress During a Busy Shift

A daunting 93% of healthcare workers report stress due to the extreme pressure placed on them in the workplace. Burnout, anxiety, and frustration often lurk just beneath the surface, threatening to overwhelm even the most seasoned members of your staff. 
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But, what if there were strategies your facility could implement to reduce that burden? 

Long-term care facilities can use this guide to equip healthcare staff with practical, actionable strategies to get through the most hectic shifts.

Recognizing Stress

Stress is the body’s response to perceived threats or challenges, and for healthcare professionals, it is often triggered by factors such as heavy workloads, emotional exhaustion, and exposure to traumatic situations. 

Recognizing the signs of stress—both physical and emotional—is the first step in managing it effectively. Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. 

Colleagues may also exhibit signs such as withdrawal or increased frustration. Being aware of these symptoms can help healthcare professionals support each other.

How to Combat Stress in the Workplace

Stress in the workplace can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health, leading to decreased productivity and job satisfaction. 

Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues, including burnout, anxiety disorders, and even physical ailments. It can impair job performance, reduce the quality of patient care, and foster a toxic work environment. 

Addressing stress proactively is crucial for individual well-being and the overall health of the healthcare system.

1. Build a Supportive Work Environment

A supportive atmosphere helps alleviate anxiety by providing emotional resources and shared understanding. A positive environment fosters creativity and encourages team members to share ideas without fear of criticism.

Here’s how your facility can build camaraderie and strengthen professional relationships:

• Encourage Regular Breaks: Maintain a culture of taking breaks when needed. Consider scheduling additional staff during peak hours to permit uninterrupted breaks.
• Create Relaxation Spaces: Designate areas where employees can decompress, complete with comfortable seating, calming decor, and quiet environments.
• Promote a Culture of Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate achievements, boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Train Leaders in Supportive Practices: Equip managers with skills to recognize stress and support their team members effectively.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create channels for team members to express concerns and share experiences. Regular check-ins can help identify stressors.

2. Teach Breathing Exercises

Breathe work can decrease anxiety by activating the body's relaxation response, enhance focus through improved concentration and cognitive function, and improve emotional regulation, allowing for calmer responses to stress.

They can be performed discreetly at your desk or during breaks, allowing you to regain focus and calm your mind. One of those effective techniques you can introduce to your staff is the 4-7-8 method.

This technique is a simple and effective relaxation exercise that can help healthcare professionals manage stress, particularly during busy shifts. 

Here’s how you can do it:

• Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or stand relaxed; close your eyes if safe to enhance focus.
• Inhale: Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds, filling your lungs completely.
• Hold the Breath: Hold your breath for 7 seconds.
• Exhale: Exhale completely through your mouth for 8 seconds, making a whooshing sound.
• Repeat: Repeat this cycle for four breaths, or continue as long as needed.

3. Long-term Strategies for Stress Support

By prioritizing the long-term well-being of employees, facilities can significantly reduce turnover rates, saving on the costs of hiring and training new staff.

When stress is minimized, productivity increases. Employees are able to focus more on tasks and duties, delivering care more efficiently and effectively.

To cultivate a workplace that thrives in the demanding healthcare environment, consider the following approaches:

• Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Offer counseling services, employee assistance programs, and mental health workshops to support staff well-being.
• Encourage Flexible Scheduling: Allow for flexible work hours or shifts to help staff balance personal and professional responsibilities.
• Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage staff to take regular vacations and time off to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Our mission at Prime Care Pharmacy is to improve long-term care outcomes. We understand the tremendous stress that comes with providing care, and we're here to support you.

Contact Prime Care Pharmacy to learn how to partner for better health outcomes!