You spend your shifts helping others get well, often at the expense of your own health. But when do you turn that attention on yourself?
Luckily, nurse wellness and work-life balance are increasingly supported and prioritized within the healthcare industry.
Health-conscious nurses now have the resources to build their own flexible work environment, choosing the shifts that fit (pun intended) their schedule, and giving themselves the proper time to take control of their lives, both physically and mentally.
Fitness-minded nurses need to find a balance when it comes to their healthcare careers, but where does this balance lie?
How flexible nursing roles power the fitness-minded nurse
With the emergence of new technology providing flexible nurse scheduling tools, there has never been a better opportunity for clinicians to progress their careers without sacrificing their personal fitness and well-being.
PRN nurse staffing platforms like Nursa place the power in nurses’ hands, allowing you opportunities to bypass mandatory overtime in order to earn more and instead choose shifts that fit around your workout schedule, not the other way around.
A well-rested, well-fed, and physically prepared clinician will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their fellow team members and the quality of care for their patients.
The ever-present registered nurse shortage
Current projections show a 10% shortage of registered nurses (RNs) nationally by 2027 and a 6% nursing workforce shortage by 2037, the professional demands on you show no sign of letting up.
With the nursing shortage intensifying, the pressure on your shoulders is heavier than ever. You need a schedule that protects you from burnout, not one that adds to it.
Ensuring you are happy and physically capable of performing your duties is of great importance. Lean into finding the work-life balance you deserve as a strategy for nurse burnout prevention.
How flexibility supports nurses’ health
When you have the energy to crush a workout, you have the energy to handle a tough triage. On-demand shifts give you the energy you need to thrive both in and out of the hospital.
Think about the physical reality of your job. Lifting patients, standing for 12 hours, and sprinting to respond to codes—nursing is effectively an endurance sport.
By aligning your work schedule with your training schedule, you ensure your body is recovered and ready for the physical demands of the floor. This doesn’t just make you stronger; it significantly reduces your risk of workplace injury and chronic pain.
With proper exercise and healthy eating habits come some great benefits:
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Confidence
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Energy to complete your shift
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A better mood overall
This is why preventing burnout is essential. On-demand nurse staffing platforms open the door to a proactive strategy against burnout, offering a great option to balance your work and personal schedule.
How can you achieve balance?
A well-balanced diet, good levels of hydration, and regular exercise combine to improve cognitive function, immunity, confidence, sleep patterns, and more.
But finding the time for these habits is often the hardest part. Whether it’s hitting a yoga class before a night shift to center your mind, or attending a strength training session on your day off to blow off steam, having control over your calendar makes these habits sustainable rather than just aspirational.
Prioritizing your health improves your decision-making. Flexible nursing supports this by offering competitive pay rates and the ability to pick up shifts when and where you want, giving you the freedom to pursue your fitness goals anywhere.
You get to work when and where you want. This flexibility allows you to pick up high-paying shifts to earn more.
It’s about more than just paying bills. It’s about affording that premium recovery gear, booking a wellness retreat, or simply taking a week off to recharge without needing approval from a manager six months in advance.
Financial stress is a major component of overall health; removing it allows you to focus entirely on your personal growth.
The surge in per diem nursing jobs
2019 was the start of a push to find flexibility in scheduling; this trend has found itself growing at an exponential rate, not only because it’s beneficial for facilities but because it’s also of benefit to you and your fellow nurses.
The per diem staffing market has more than doubled in size since 2019, increasing from a market share of $3.7 billion to $7.6 billion by 2022.
What does that mean for you?
This means that the demand for flexible nursing roles signals a shift in the industry that puts you in the driver’s seat.
One of the greatest benefits of good health is physical resilience. A clinician in good physical condition will likely have more energy, agility, and strength when the situation calls for it. Enthusiasm from early-career and veteran staff is growing, creating a future where you can feel more confident, happy, enthusiastic, and fit.