Mental Health & Burnout: Coping with Workplace Stress as a Nurse
Stress can take its toll, many nurses are leaving the profession due to stress.
The Silent Crisis in Nursing
Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about the challenges nurses face both in person and online—from workplace violence to the risks of social media. But what about the mental and emotional toll of it all?
📊 Did you know?
62% of nurses report burnout, and many are leaving the profession due to stress.
Healthcare workers are twice as likely to experience depression compared to other professions.
Exposure to violence, online harassment, and emotional trauma increases the risk of PTSD and anxiety in nurses.
💡 If you've ever felt exhausted, detached, or emotionally drained—you’re not alone.
This blog is the final part of our three-part series on protecting your safety and well-being as a nurse. Today, we’ll explore:
✔ How workplace stress leads to burnout
✔ Signs that your mental health may be at risk
✔ Practical coping strategies to protect your well-being
Let’s dive in.
Healthcare workers are twice as likely to experience depression compared to other professions
How Workplace Stress Leads to Burnout in Nurses
Nursing is a high-stress career—and without the right coping strategies, it can take a serious toll on mental health.
1️⃣ Workplace Violence & Emotional Trauma
😞 We covered this in Week 1, but it’s worth repeating: being yelled at, threatened, or physically harmed at work takes a mental toll.
Constant exposure to aggression can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and emotional exhaustion.
Some nurses develop compassion fatigue—feeling numb or detached from patients.
👉 Coping Strategy: If workplace violence is affecting you, seek support from a therapist or nurse advocacy group. Hospitals should also provide mental health resources for affected staff.
2️⃣ Social Media Stress & Online Harassment
📱 In Week 2, we talked about how social media can be a double-edged sword for nurses.
Nurses face cyberbullying, doxxing, and job-related consequences for what they post.
Reading negative healthcare stories online can increase anxiety and job dissatisfaction.
👉 Coping Strategy:Take digital detoxes when needed. Unplugging from social media—even for a few days—can help reduce stress and anxiety.
3️⃣ Long Hours, Short Staffing & Exhaustion
⏳ Overworking nurses leads to:
❌ Chronic fatigue—your body never fully recovers.
❌ Emotional exhaustion—you stop feeling connected to patients.
❌ Higher risk of medical errors—which adds to mental stress.
👉 Coping Strategy:Set boundaries when possible. If you’re exhausted, don’t feel guilty saying no to extra shifts—your well-being matters.
Signs and symptoms of nurse burnout
Signs You’re Experiencing Burnout
🚨 If you notice these symptoms, your mental health may be at risk:
🔹 You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping.
🔹 You feel detached from patients or your work.
🔹 You have trouble focusing or making decisions.
🔹 You get irritated easily with coworkers, patients, or family.
🔹 You feel hopeless, trapped, or like you just don’t care anymore.
💡 If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to focus on self-care.
How Nurses Can Cope with Burnout & Workplace Stress
The good news? Burnout isn’t permanent—there are ways to manage stress and protect your mental health.
🧘 1️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care (Even During Busy Shifts)
Many nurses put themselves last—but taking care of yourself helps you take better care of patients.
✅ Take short breaks (even 5 minutes of deep breathing helps).
✅ Hydrate & eat properly—your body needs fuel to function.
✅ Do a quick body scan to release physical tension.
💡 Try This: After finishing each patient task, take one deep breath before moving to the next.
🧑🤝🧑 2️⃣ Build a Support System
Talking to someone who understands your struggles can help you feel less alone.
✅ Lean on trusted coworkers or mentors.
✅ Join a nurse support group (in-person or online).
✅ Seek therapy if needed—many hospitals offer free mental health services.
💡 Try This: Start a weekly debrief with a coworker where you share your best and worst moments of the shift.
📅 3️⃣ Create Work-Life Boundaries
Nurses often bring work stress home—which makes it harder to recover.
✅ Leave work at work—don’t check emails on your day off.
✅ Say no to extra shifts if you're already overwhelmed.
✅ Create a post-shift ritual to transition into personal life.
💡 Try This: Change clothes, shower, or listen to music immediately after work to mentally leave the hospital behind.
🏋️♀️ 4️⃣ Move Your Body to Relieve Stress
Exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood—even small movements help.
✅ Stretch or walk during breaks to release tension.
✅ Try yoga, swimming, or pilates—low impact but great for stress relief.
✅ Get outside—sunlight and fresh air improve mental health.
💡 Try This: If you’re exhausted, start with just 5 minutes of movement—even stretching makes a difference.
😴 5️⃣ Get Quality Sleep (Especially for Night Shift Nurses!)
Lack of sleep worsens burnout—but night shift nurses often struggle with sleep.
✅ Use blackout curtains & white noise machines to create a sleep-friendly space.
✅ Stick to a schedule as much as possible—even on days off.
✅ Avoid screens before bed—blue light disrupts sleep cycles.
💡 Try This: Use a weighted blanket or try guided sleep meditations for deeper rest.
Your mental health matters! Don’t forget to care for yourself as you care for others.
Your Mental Health Matters!
💙 Over the past three weeks, we’ve covered:
✅ Workplace violence & how to stay safe on the job.
✅ Social media risks & how to protect your privacy.
✅ Nurse burnout & how to protect your mental health.
🚨 The takeaway? Nurses deserve safety, respect, and mental well-being. If you’re struggling, don’t ignore it—reach out, set boundaries, and take care of YOU.
💬 How do you cope with workplace stress? Share your thoughts in the comments!
📖 Missed our past blogs? Catch up here:
✔ Workplace Violence & Nurse Safety [Click Here]
✔ Social Media & Nurses: Staying Safe Online [Click Here]
💬 Join the Conversation:
Let's collaborate towards creating a safer healthcare environment for all nurses and patients.
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below—let’s make this a conversation!
If you are not on our email list, click the contact link here.
Comment below!
I invite my readers to join a discussion in the blog comment section to share tips and support each other in developing this essential skill.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments:
How do you cope with workplace stress?
Have you witnessed burnout in another peer or nurse?
Any tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
Ready to embark on this learning journey? Let's make this learning experience interactive and fun!
Drop a comment or share your story—let’s learn and grow together!
Don’t forget to follow me on my Instagram account @nclex_one_on_one_tutoring and share it with your colleagues!
