The Importance of Staff Self-Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Dr. Sherie L. Friedrich, PsyD
Chief Psychology Officer

The emotional cost of caring for others is a well-documented occupational hazard for health care workers who, given these uncertain times, face greater than usual stress.

Nursing staff spend countless hours caring for others and carrying the burden of their patients’ illnesses and suffering. In the literature dedicated to this topic, the term “burnout” describes a reaction to the occupational stress of caring for and interacting with numerous others. Feelings of dread, emotional exhaustion, lack of empathy for residents, and frequent call-outs are just some of the consequences of compassion fatigue and burnout.

Referenced below are a handful of strategies for self-care that can be utilized during times of stress and beyond. Remember, you cannot effectively care for others if you do not take care of yourself!

Tips for Self-Care:

• Get outside. Studies show that spending time outdoors in nature can reduce stress, burnout, and fatigue.
• Unplug for the day. Commit to taking time away from your phone, email, and news on your days off and focus on pleasurable activities.
• Get in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation, relaxation, prayer, and appreciation of nature can boost spirits and refocus emotional energy.
• Reconnect with others. Call, write, or video-chat with your support system whether or it be family or friends. Remember, we are all in this together!
• Ask for help. Supportive psychotherapy and other counseling approaches can build resiliency and develop better skills for coping with stress. MediTelecare is here to help, see below!

MediTelecare is proud to introduce StaffCare! If you are a healthcare worker or staff member at one of our partnering facilities, you can request a visit with one of our skilled behavioral healthcare providers by clicking the button below!

How to Refer

1. Obtain a physician/nurse practitioner order stating: “MediTelecare to Evaluate and Treat for Psychiatric and Psychological Health”
2. Email the doctor order to our intake team at intake@meditelecare.com along with

• MediTelecare Referral Form
• Authorization to Screen, Evaluate and Treat
• Resident facesheet with insurance and demographic info