Typically, as May Day, May 1^st approaches, we think about the international workers’ day that honors workers and the labor movement.  May Day is celebrated by many countries around the world.   Personally, May Day represents spring, and I start thinking about the flowers I want to put into my containers to enjoy throughout the growing season. 

For the purpose of this blog, I am going to use Mayday, Mayday, Mayday as our distress signal in healthcare.  For a moment, let’s take a hard look at what is happening in our industry.  Right now, healthcare is in a mayday situation for several reasons:

1. Severe workforce shortages:  Turnover across the nation is at an all time high.  Healthcare professionals are leaving the industry in droves.  Burnout, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, moral injury, conflict with personal/professional values, and being asked to do more with less resources are just some of the highly contributing factors.
2. Mental health crisis:  According to research, healthcare workers are experiencing unprecedented high rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, and suicide.
3. System/financial pressures:  Productivity quotas, understaffing, administrative burdens, and lack of insurance reimbursements are overwhelming people’s ability to practice safely and compassionately.  Truthfully, healthcare hasn’t recovered fiscally from the impact the pandemic had on it.
4. Safety concerns:  Medical errors are rising.  Patients are having to wait longer for care, receiving delayed diagnoses, and facing preventable complications.  It is taking longer and longer to get patients who need a higher level of care transferred.

Truth is, this list could go on and on!

In reflection, healthcare as a system and healthcare professionals individually are facing a true crisis.  We do indeed need to sound our own Mayday as our system is under too much demand, with too little support.  We are hemorrhaging talent, spirit, and ultimately our health. The temptation right now is to keep pushing, to keep giving more, to sacrifice just a little bit more each day…however, this is not the answer.

We all must listen and do our personal part!

Here is where refueling comes in! 

Each of us must take time to refuel our hearts and fill our own cups.  We must start putting ourselves at the top of our own list! 

Refueling and self-care is not a luxury or selfish!  It is about survival, it is about taking personal and professional leadership, it’s about being accountable to re-energize to bring the best that we can offer day in and day out.

Refueling and self-care looks different to each person.  So, consider from this list what suggestions might work best:

• Reclaim aspects of self-care:  Sleep, hydration, nourishing food, movement, mental health initiatives i.e. stillness/reflection.
• Set personal and professional boundaries, which is a form of self-love and self-respect.  What works/doesn’t work for you? Become clear with your boundaries.
• Remember your why.  Reconnect to the deeper purpose that brought you to this work.
• Allow joy and gratitude back into your life.
• Find connection.  Find your tribe—people who understand, people who will support your refueling and self-care initiatives.
• Engage at least weekly in something that refuels your heart—a hobby, nature therapy, listening to music, painting, picking out and planting flowers, or whatever creative outlet you enjoy. 
• Add to this list what is most relevant for you…

Your wellness matters and your team members’ wellness matters.  To this end, put yourself at the top of your own list.  Refuel your heart with the same urgency as the Mayday, Mayday, Mayday distress signal warrants.  It’s an essential function right now!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Contact me: 
chartline@rwhc.com
608-644-3235

Cella Janisch-Hartline, RN, BSN, PCC Professional Certified Coach, Nursing Leadership Senior Manager for Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative has been involved in various healthcare industry leadership positions for the past 40 years. The majority of her career has been spent working in an acute care critical access facility for nearly 25 years. Throughout her work experience, she has learned most of her leadership skills and techniques through the school of “hard knocks”. Cella’s passion for teaching leadership tips and techniques earned her the 2018 Outstanding Educator Award through the National Rural Health Association. She is well-known for her humorous, engaging and personable facilitation style.