After experiencing emotional exhaustion on a palliative care unit, what should you do first?

Speaking with your nurse manager about your feelings of emotional exhaustion and asking for help is a constructive and proactive approach to managing stress in a palliative care setting. This step is crucial because it fosters open communication and allows you to receive support tailored to your specific needs. Your nurse manager can provide guidance, resources, and potentially offer adjustments in your workload or duties to help alleviate some of the emotional burden you are experiencing. In addition, discussing your feelings can help normalize the experience of emotional exhaustion among healthcare providers, creating a culture of support and understanding within the team.

Taking a week off to recover might seem like a good option, but it may not address the underlying issues of emotional exhaustion or provide immediate relief from stressors in your work environment. Ignoring feelings and assuming they will pass is generally not a healthy coping mechanism, as it can lead to increased levels of stress and burnout over time. Reducing your patient load can certainly help mitigate feelings of exhaustion but may not address the emotional aspect or provide the necessary support and resources for ongoing improvement. Engaging in communication and support is often the most effective first step in addressing emotional challenges in the workplace.