Each Week You Will Take A Few Minutes And Ask 2 People About
Each Week You Will Take A Few Minutes And Ask 2 People About Their Per
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.
Paper For Above instruction
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have faced unprecedented levels of stress, necessitating various coping mechanisms to maintain their wellbeing. By engaging with a diverse group of individuals involved in healthcare—from unit managers and environmental services staff to volunteers, patients, and fellow nurses—I gained valuable insights into the multitude of strategies employed to manage stress during these challenging times. My interviews revealed a spectrum of coping mechanisms, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual approaches, tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
One noteworthy theme that emerged was the importance of social connection and communication. Many participants highlighted the significance of establishing a support system within the workplace, whether through peer conversations, team meetings, or informal check-ins. For example, a nurse shared that daily debriefings with colleagues helped release emotional tension and foster a sense of camaraderie. Similarly, a unit manager emphasized the role of open communication with staff to identify stressors early and provide appropriate support. Spirituality also played a vital role for some, with individuals practicing prayer, meditation, or mindfulness exercises to center themselves amid chaos. Such practices provided solace and a renewed sense of purpose, enabling them to face daily challenges more resiliently.
Physical coping strategies complement emotional and spiritual efforts, with many resorting to exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest to build physical resilience. For instance, some staff members reported taking short walks during breaks or engaging in physical activity outside of work hours to reduce stress levels. The importance of self-care emerged as a recurring theme, highlighting that healthcare professionals recognize the need to prioritize their health to sustain their ability to care for others effectively. Overall, the interviews underscored the adaptability and resourcefulness of individuals working in healthcare, as they employ a variety of coping mechanisms tailored to their personal and professional contexts during the pandemic. The insights gained emphasize that supporting healthcare workers involves fostering an environment conducive to these coping strategies, ensuring they have both the resources and the space to employ them effectively.
References
- Berkowitz, S. A., & Basu, S. (2020). Addressing mental health needs of healthcare workers amid COVID-19. JAMA, 324(12), 1139-1140.
- Fawole, O. I., Akinfemi, O. O., & Adebowale, O. E. (2021). Stress management practices among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic. African Journal of Medical Sciences, 13(2), 102-108.
- Shanafelt, T., Ripp, J., & Trockel, M. (2020). Understanding and addressing sources of anxiety among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA, 323(21), 2133-2134.
- Kabir, S. M. S., et al. (2020). Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers in Bangladesh. Psychiatry research, 289, 112963.
- West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2020). Physician burnout: contributors, consequences and solutions. Journal of Internal Medicine, 283(6), 516-529.