Critical care nurses are being urged to prioritise their mental and physical health and wellbeing, for the benefit of both themselves and their patients.

Critical care nurses face uniquely challenging circumstances, working in an environment that is both physically and emotionally demanding.

According to Psychotherapist, Dr Karen Phillip, working in an environment where patients are seriously ill or facing life-threatening situations can take a toll on nurses' mental health.

“They may witness traumatic events, deal with high-stress situations, and make quick decisions that can have life-or-death consequences,” said Dr Phillip.

The constant exposure to intense situations can contribute to nurse burnout, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Dr Phillip explained.

“Often shifts are long and intense making it challenging to rest, sleep and recharge in between shifts and looking after self and family as well,” she said.

While Dr Phillip said hospitals and healthcare organisations should prioritise creating a supportive work environment that promotes self-care, resilience, and emotional health for critical care nurses, nurses must be vigilant about their own personal well-being.

“It is crucial for critical care nurses to have access to support systems and resources,” she said.

“Currently they do not.”

Dr Phillip said there were a few telltale signs of burnout nurses can look out for.

“Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress,” Dr Phillip said.

“Critical care nurses are particularly susceptible to burnout due to the demanding nature of their work.” Signs include:

1. Feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or depleted.
2. Decreased sense of personal accomplishment in their work.
3. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, frequent headaches, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or weight, and an increased susceptibility to illnesses.
4. Burnout can affect cognitive functioning and concentration, making it challenging to focus, make decisions, or remember important details or a decline in critical thinking abilities, which can compromise patient care.
5. Burnout can lead to a significant decrease in job satisfaction as nurses lose interest in their work, experience a sense of disillusionment, or feel trapped in their current job. They may also exhibit a desire to leave the profession altogether.

The ripple effect, of course, is that patient care may be compromised, as the rates of medical errors and staff turnover increases.

Although Dr Phillip believes it’s up to nurse employers to prioritise the care of staff, she said there are steps nurses can take to prioritise their own health and wellbeing.

• Exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid bringing work-related stress home and carve out dedicated time for personal activities, hobbies, and social connections.
• Reach out for support from colleagues, friends, or family. Share experiences and concerns with trusted individuals who can provide understanding, empathy, and advice.
• Enhance time management skills to better prioritise tasks and allocate time efficiently. Effective time management can help reduce stress and create a sense of control over workload.
• Advocate for a work environment that promotes nurse well-being. Engage in conversations with supervisors or administrators to address concerns, suggest improvements to reduce burnout.
• Incorporate mindfulness techniques into daily routines. Being present in the moment, practicing gratitude, and cultivating awareness to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.