Chapter 1 - Burnout

Yes, healthcare workers are often praised for their selflessness and dedication to their patients. They often put the needs of the patients before their own, and are willing to sacrifice their own time and comfort to provide the best possible care. This is for sure a fantastic quality to have, but the word “selfless,” legitimately, without a self, and often our healthcare providers are praised for that quality. It suggests that in order to be selfless, a person must completely ignore their own needs and wants and focus solely on the needs of others. This is not health or sustainable and can quickly lead to burnout and negative consequences. In this chapter and throughout our eBook,  you will learn valuable and vital guidance and strategies for providing your own self-care in your demanding working environments.

Chapter 3 - Nutrition

There is nothing healthy about the healthcare or law enforcement professions, no need to beat that to death. So, when it comes to nutrition and eating write, sometimes it feels nearly impossible. But it is possible if we do take the time to focus on healthy eating routines instead of settling for those quick and easy fast-food options or sometime unhealthy cafeteria choices. Or even worse, not even eating at all. I spoke with one nurse who told me she had gone through an entire 12-hour shift without even a bite to eat. When I began putting this e-book together I knew I had to offer unique ideas and easy methods to stay healthy, they’d have to be easy for me, because to be honest, I can be lazy. I promise you’ll take some very valuable habits and methods from this chapter.

Chapter 5 - Connection

The reality of the professions that we’ve chosen is that it may feel right to give all of ourselves, but the return initially may feel like fulfillment. But as healthcare workers, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have chosen to cope with multiple deaths and losses by putting up barriers and convincing yourself you are numb to the feeling of loss and connectedness. I’m here to tell you, that there will be a day of reconning with that method that will need to be dispelled, the cloud lifted and that self-protection monster in your head to be cast out. It’s ok to let your guard down, but keep it close for when you need it, but this is the time that we need to grow.  Learn something new, set personal and intellectual goals, and practice your skills.  Human nature is to connect with others, and although you may feel you need to be superhuman, you can’t be all the time.

Chapter 2 - Sleep

Before you begin to yell at me about scheduling and long hours, and no time to sleep, be assured, I totally get it. I was there, third shifts, doubles, weekends, and holidays, when I felt sick, hungry, and exhausted, like you I still needed to be at work. We know that healthcare workers are at a disproportionate risk of not getting enough sleep and even developing sleep disorders. Our first step is that we need to have awareness of our sleep patterns, identifying the factors that may negatively affect our sleep and helping us to identify changes in our hectic routine that can positively affect the sleep we definitely and desperately need. Trust me, we are offering realistic approaches geared toward the exhausted healthcare provider and the schedules you keep. Great sleep will improve your quality of life and patient care.

Chapter 4 - Exercise

I challenge you to look at exercise differently. Look at each exercise workout as an accomplishment, put your mind right now at the end of a workout that you can think back to. It could’ve been the first one you’ve completed in years or the fifth one of the week. The concept of our book to be honest is that being healthy and safe takes a lot of work and effort. Sticking to a healthy eating routine or consistent exercise program needs to be inspired by purpose and meaning in our lives.  Exercise programs also force us to focus on understanding our own limits and coordination.  Exercise, no matter the level or extent, increases our stamina, our energy levels, and our endurance, vital in the healthcare and law enforcement professions, but in my opinion more important for a balanced happy life.  

Chapter 6 - Self-Regulation

The most important topic I wanted to cover in this book was of self-regulation. Within each day we have choices to make, and each of the choices can take you closer or farther away from your purpose. In my description on this page, I’ve mentioned purpose, it’s your legend, your legacy. What is your purpose in this life and who will people remember you when it’s your turn to go.  We discuss in this book and almost all programs Prepare To Act offers, that we must take value from loss in order to grow. Yet, in healthcare and law enforcement professions, we push it away, simply because without question, it’s simply too much to handle. I beg you, take the time to decide and understand the edges of your purpose, it is a life changer.  Self-regulation, awareness, and discipline will change the way you live. We need to begin to face our truest fears, trigger our flight or fight and begin to grow more confident.

More than Surviving

An Essential Guide to Avoid Burnout & Thrive Amid Chaos of This World and Your Chosen Profession. Take The Time For Yourself.