Do a bit of research on stress triggers and coping mechanisms specific to healthcare workers. Find at least 2 academically significant sources and write 2-3 paragraphs about your find

SELF CARE PROJECT 1

Self-Care Project

Your Name

College of the Florida Keys

NUR3295: Critical Care Nursing 1

Prof. Laura Cox

Date submitted

SELF CARE PROJECT 2

Self-Care Final Project

This should be at least 2 sentences introducing your project and giving the reader an outline of what they will see. Please remove the instructions and prompts.

Stress Triggers and Coping Mechanisms

Do a bit of research on stress triggers and coping mechanisms specific to healthcare workers. Find at least 2 academically significant sources and write 2-3 paragraphs about your findings.

Self-Reflection

Self-reflect on your own stress triggers and the coping mechanisms you use. Rate them on effectiveness. Do they work for the short-term vs. long-term, are they healthy, do they make your healthcare team stronger? You can take this in any direction, just truly self-reflect, and see where it leads you. Write 2-3 paragraphs discussing your process.

Weekly Log

Each week you will take a few minutes and ask 2 people about their personal coping mechanisms for dealing with the stress of working in healthcare during this unique time of Covid. Stress can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or any combination of triggers. Ask a diverse variety of people, don’t forget those in other departs at different points of hierarchy. For example, ask your unit manager, environmental services, volunteers, patients, fellow nurses, etc. Write 2-3 paragraphs on your findings and impressions while respecting the person’s identity.

Week One

This for week one

Week Two

This for week two

Week Three

Submit for review.

Week Four

This for week four

Week Five

This for week five

Week Six

This for week six

Week Seven

This for week seven

Week Eight

This for week eight

Conclusion

Write a conclusion that discusses this process and demonstrates your self-reflection on stress triggers and coping mechanisms. Have you learned new mechanisms, did you meet people you would not have met otherwise, did you discover any trends in terms of age, gender, or job, are there things you can do to combat stress for yourself or your team?

References

Healthy People 2030 website. (2021). Workforce. Retrieved from

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Self-Care Rough Draft Project

Mary Ramos Lutey, RN

College of the Florida Keys

NUR3295: Critical Care Nursing 1

Prof. Laura Cox

November 1, 2023

Coping Mechanisms Project

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers experienced unique levels of stress. Using personal reflections and interviews ranging from unit managers to pharmacists, this project investigates coping mechanisms. We would like to shed light on the strategies that keep the people on the pandemic’s frontline afloat. These narratives reveal the difficulties encountered and the resilience during these difficult times.

Research on Stress Triggers and Coping Mechanisms Specific to Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers experience multiple stress triggers that may be both intrinsic and extrinsic. A study by Shanafelt et al. (2012) published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, delineates several triggers which include long working hours, the emotional intensity of physician-patient interactions, administrative burdens, and the constant pressure of making high-stakes decisions that can have profound impacts on patient lives. Furthermore, the healthcare environment, being inherently unpredictable, requires healthcare workers to be constantly alert, leading to prolonged periods of heightened stress.

Coping mechanisms employed by healthcare professionals to manage stress are as varied as the individuals themselves. According to a review by McConville et al. (2017) in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, adaptive coping strategies observed in healthcare workers include seeking support from peers or supervisors, engaging in reflective practice, maintaining work-life balance, and participating in mindfulness or relaxation techniques. On the other hand, maladaptive strategies, such as substance abuse or complete withdrawal from work or social situations, are also prevalent, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and support systems in the healthcare setting.

Self-reflection on Stress Triggers and Coping Mechanisms

Throughout my time in healthcare studies, I've found that my primary stress triggers stem from the pressure to perform academically, alongside the emotional weight of seeing patients in distress during clinical rotations. The constant juggling between academic responsibilities and practical applications often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, the need to stay updated with the rapid advancements in medical research adds another layer of pressure.

To cope with these triggers, I've developed a few mechanisms. Firstly, I maintain a rigorous study schedule, setting aside specific hours for academic reading and clinical practice. This structure helps me feel more in control. Secondly, I've found solace in joining a peer support group where we discuss our challenges and share strategies to overcome them. This mutual sharing not only gives me perspective but also reinforces the notion that I'm not alone in my journey. In terms of effectiveness, while my study schedule provides short-term relief by ensuring I'm prepared, the peer group has a more long-lasting impact, fortifying both my emotional well-being and fostering a sense of unity among future healthcare workers. Collectively, I believe these coping mechanisms not only benefit me individually but also have the potential to strengthen the healthcare teams I'll be a part of in the future, as they emphasize both personal preparedness and the value of collaboration.

Weekly Interviews

Interview 1

This week, I was lucky enough to have talked to two people having different positions in the health care system. One of them was a “J” a seasoned unit manager who had more than 15 years of experience, and another one was “M”, an environmental services worker in charge of keeping our facility clean and safe.

Despite the fact that she is accustomed to the high demands of healthcare, J admitted that this was the first time she had ever been confronted with such challenging tasks. Setting up a daily physical routine outside work, such as meditation and exercise, is among her most vital coping mechanisms. For her, a regimen enables her to detach herself from the overwhelming job and gives her some measure of control when all else fails. She also highlighted the need for continuous links. Her sanctuary has become virtual calls with her family and friends now and then, and also some debriefing sessions with her peers.

In contrast, “M,” sometimes in the background but vital in the hospital, consoled himself in journaling. Every time that day ends after his shift, he takes a few minutes off to write down his emotions, experiences, and even the good moments or incidences with other people. Such an act of reflecting on and acknowledging his feelings enables him to get rid of those emotions by processing them. He also indicated the need to seek help from a local support group, where people talk about what happened to them and encourage each other.

The thing that stood out with these encounters was their courage and flexibility. While “J” and “M” had different roles, they emphasized the need for a routine setting, a feeling of being cared for or loved, and time to reflect on oneself. This was a reminder that although everyone is affected by the pandemic in different ways, our shared humanity could guide us through the most challenging moments.

Interview 2

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to engage with various individuals at our healthcare center, all working diligently during these challenging times of Covid-19. Knowing that stress could appear in various ways, I tried to find out how they cope with it.

During my talk with E, a pharmacist, she highlighted the significance of having a robust support system. She does regular check-ins with her colleagues and exchanges experiences, which reduces emotional stress and enriches her knowledge. Besides, E finds solace in her spiritual life because this gives her inner strength against hard times. Conversely, during my conversation with J, a mental health professional, he underlined the significance of mental well-being. He practices mindfulness and meditation techniques to stay grounded amidst the emotional turmoil of his job. John also expressed the importance of self-care and urged me to remind others to prioritize their mental health.

These conversations have highlighted the diversity of coping mechanisms within our healthcare center and reinforced the value of a holistic approach to managing stress during these unique times of Covid-19.

Interview 3

While exploring coping mechanisms within our center’s diverse departments and when we are facing the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, I met some inspirational personalities who were willing to share with me what they usually do to relieve themselves of these pressures.

I met S, an environmental services staff member, who disclosed that she usually takes a physical approach to relieve mental tension. Daily exercise routines are instrumental in helping her physically and emotionally fit. This has inspired her during the pandemic, as her commitment has ensured that the staff and patients enjoy a clean and safe environment.

I realized the value of teamwork through a conversation with Dr. R from the OB-GYN department. Dr. R stressed the need for a conducive setting in health care practices encompassing open communication and support among workmates. The fact that they have been together as a team, providing crucial care at this time, has not only lessened stress but has also strengthened their camaraderie.

These interactions represent an approach that incorporates physical, emotional, and teamwork in the fight against the challenges associated with Covid-19.

Conclusion

The process of delving deep into stress triggers and coping mechanisms, both personally and through the lens of various healthcare professionals, has been an enlightening journey. What stands out is the universality of stress during these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic but also the uniqueness of the coping mechanisms employed by each individual.

E, the pharmacist, and J, the mental health professional, emphasized the importance of a strong support system and mental well-being. Their coping mechanisms revolved around spiritual practices, mindfulness, and self-care. On the other hand, S, the environmental services staff, and Dr. R from the OB-GYN department leaned towards physical activities and the value of teamwork to keep stress at bay. These insights, combined with J’s emphasis on physical routines and M’s therapeutic journaling, represent the multifaceted coping strategies that are being employed across different spectrums of the healthcare profession. What was particularly noteworthy was the resilience and adaptability displayed by all, irrespective of their roles, age, gender, or job descriptions.

Throughout these conversations, a pattern emerged highlighting the importance of support, whether it be from colleagues, family, or external groups, as well as the therapeutic benefits of routine and reflection. There was also an evident trend that regardless of job roles or seniority, the need for open communication and a cohesive team environment was paramount.

Reflecting on my initial thoughts and these enriching interactions, I've come to understand the value of a well-rounded approach to stress management. While my previous mechanisms were effective, I've been introduced to new strategies such as journaling and incorporating a physical routine. Furthermore, the importance of teamwork, as emphasized by Dr. R, is something I'll carry forward in my professional journey. It reinforces the idea that in times of crisis, a united front can not only diminish individual stress but strengthen the collective morale of the team. Going forward, I'm motivated to integrate these insights into my daily life and also promote them within my healthcare team, ensuring we stand strong and provide the best care in the face of adversity.

References

McConville, J., McAleer, R., & Hahne, A. (2017). Mindfulness training for health profession students—the effect of mindfulness training on psychological well-being, learning and clinical performance of health professional students: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials.  Explore,  13(1), 26-45.

Shanafelt, T. D., Boone, S., Tan, L., Dyrbye, L. N., Sotile, W., Satele, D., … & Oreskovich, M. R. (2012). Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physicians relative to the general US population.  Archives of internal medicine,  172(18), 1377-1385.

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