Almost everyone has experienced a degree of fatigue at some point in their life. More than simply being tired, the feeling of overwhelming exhaustion and the urge to rest and sleep are the hallmarks of fatigue.  

We sometimes accept fatigue as a “normal” part of shiftwork, ignoring the dramatic effect it can have on your quality of life as well as your overall wellbeing. Fatigue related to shift work can also have a deleterious effect on patient safety.  

So, what can you do to treat fatigue? 

We all know that sleep is essential for health and wellbeing, but when life gets busy its often the first thing to go.  

Compared to the average population, a 2020 survey of nurses showed that 55% suffered from insomnia. Taking control of your roster is critical to allowing yourself the required rest, however, shift work can make establishing a regular sleep schedule and consistent wake times almost impossible for the average nurse or midwife.  

Sometimes, though, the solutions to fatigue don’t have to be about sleep.  

When your work demands constant emotional energy, sometimes mental stimulation can come from intentionally restorative activities that energise you outside of work. Activities that offer you a complete contrast to the hospital or clinic environment can be a powerful antidote. 

If your work involves high-stakes decision making and patient interaction, solo creative pursuits like gardening, knitting, painting, or hiking will be mentally restorative. If you often work nightshifts, sleep yoga and guided meditation can help promote deep relaxation and transition your body into a restorative state after a long shift. 

Compassion fatigue is also a real occupational hazard in nursing and midwifery so dedicating time specifically to social connection outside of work (such as a scheduled coffee with a non-work friend) to ground your identity outside of your professional role can make a big difference in your personal wellbeing.  

Viewing these activities not as luxuries, but as essential professional maintenance, is key to overcoming professional fatigue. 

Lastly, consider your annual leave balance and whether you can take some time off. Not to travel, but instead to give yourself a professional break.

Are you someone who only takes leave when pressured to by your employer or are you proactively planning leave? It can be a sacrifice to give up holiday plans for time to yourself, but your wellbeing should always take priority.  

By dedicating time to activities for yourself and actively fostering social connections outside of work, you can reclaim your personal identity. Managing fatigue means recognising that your wellbeing is always the highest priority.  

Want more information and support?  

Visit https://www.nmsupport.org.au/ – we are your national support service for Australian nurses and midwives providing access to confidential advice and referral.