Now, more than ever, health care workers are experiencing greater stress on the job. Working in the health care field has always been stressful. For example, working as a paramedic or in the emergency department of a hospital has always been a fast-paced job, but now, this stress is heightened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some techniques and activities that can assist with stress management for health care professionals include the following:
Listening groups within the profession: At the beginning of the pandemic, some health care administrators gathered groups of physicians, nurses, advanced practice clinicians, residents, and fellows to discuss their main concerns regarding the pandemic. Establishing listening groups where health care professionals can air their concerns in an environment where the risk for judgment and blaming is low can be helpful.
Finding support outside of work: Finding support from colleagues outside of work hours can help workers deal with emotions in a more informal setting. Opening up to someone who understands the nature of health care work can help workers tap into a higher level of support and learn how to manage stress.
Find a safe place for an emotional outlet: Health care workers should recognize that it is okay to cry in response to witnessing traumatic events and extreme pain and suffering. Crying is a healthy way to process grief and it helps build resilience and coping skills. Whether workers find that outlet at home or from a colleague, they should allow themselves a place to grieve.
Finding solutions instead of anger: When health care workers disagree amongst themselves, they may feel frustrated or angry. They may even feel disrespected. Building vocabulary toward clear and calm communication in the workplace can lead to better personal, professional, and patient outcomes. Raising communication or other problems with a manager can help in these situations as well.
Tapping into mindfulness: While reflection and emotional processing has its place, relaxation techniques and disconnecting from work can also be productive. Dwelling too much on distressing events for long periods of time can damage a person’s mental health. Downloading apps on a smartphone or tablet to encourage regular meditation and checking in to assess one’s feelings can be helpful to make employees more aware of how they are feeling
Getting movement and exercise: Mindfulness should be practiced in tandem with getting the body moving. Workers should find a preferred method of exercise to help release stress and toxins from the body. Often, just getting outdoors for a walk can help improve a person’s mood.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Provide Legal Assistance to Injured Workers
If you are experiencing extreme stress at work, it could lead to a stress-related physical or mental health condition. If your condition is work-related, you are likely entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits. Reach out to the Downingtown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC to assess your case concerning a workplace injury or illness. For a free consultation, contact us online or call 610-594-1600. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.