Are you feeling overwhelmed and a bit isolated? Historically healthcare practitioners have functioned independently even though we speak about teams. Each provider visiting a patient alone, charting alone and then developing a plan based on information from others, but once again alone. For nurses, at least with change of shift, there is usually some in-person sharing that goes on. It is hard to deal with the many pressures and continual balancing of needs especially when you feel isolated. You can use self-compassion to tap into common humanity and break through the sense of isolation you may be feeling. This helps you realize that you are not alone in your overwhelm or disappointment.
When you are facing painful experiences and/or falling short of your ideals, tapping into an awareness of common humanity allows you to see that suffering and a sense of personal inadequacy is part of the shared human experience. That feeling of “I’m not enough” is part of the human condition. Given the crisis of burnout in healthcare it is clear that you are not alone.
The exhaustion, lack of compassion (depersonalization) and low self-worth you may be feeling are difficult for you, and also push others away, contributing to your sense of isolation. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone is enough for you to experience the power of common humanity. At other times, connecting with others may be necessary. Here are several ways you can use self-compassion to tap into common humanity .
- Reach out to others who have gone through your struggle or are currently going through a similar situation can be helpful. Is there a physician or nurse that you admire? Perhaps you can set up a time to talk with that person and ask if s/he had similar struggles and how s/he got through it and manages now. Ask them what they do to cope with some of the struggles you’re facing.
- Connect with your professional community. ANA, AMA or specialty area may have resources for you. Going to conferences and being with others in your profession is a way to share challenges and learn from others. Conference attendees often return re-energized. This is also a way to connect with others who are familiar with your challenges who have a broader perspective by being outside your specific situation.
- Connect with me for individual support or to look into group coaching. I’ve gone through burnout, coached others and developed ways to support you to recover your passion and energy so you can live with ease.
- Be open. Sometimes you can’t anticipate who the right person will be. Perhaps there is an old friend or an aunt you are thinking about, or someone at your gym that you start speaking with and it turns out this person has gone through a struggle and shares wisdom with you even without your asking. Being present allows you to hear what is being offered.
Who would you like to connect with?
To regain energy and live with greater ease while making the impact you want, contact me.
Dina
Improving well-being for healthcare professionals through coaching.
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