How to Answer: What are some strategies you use to combat stress and burnout?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Nurse job interview.
1. What are some strategies you use to combat stress and burnout?
How to Answer
Nursing staff, and addiction nurses, in particular, are prone to burnout due to the natural stressors of the job. Many organizations focus on being proactive in preventing this among their teams, as turnover is a major issue impacting the quality of patient care. Give examples of how you try to maintain a healthy work-life balance and include elements in the workplace and at home. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email where appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 22nd, 2023
1st Answer Example
"It's kind of the same mindset as if you're on an airplane that's experiencing trouble, right? You must first put your oxygen mask on and take care of yourself before you can effectively help others. In this sense, I take care of my health by getting enough sleep and exercise and NY maintaining a healthy and balanced diet so that I'm well-rested and have the vitamins and nutrients I need to function properly. Working with patients who are dealing with such intense issues can be emotionally taxing, so I also make sure I take breaks when I'm feeling overwhelmed and I keep in close communication with my manager to discuss the patient caseloads and areas where I may need support. Outside of work, I have a close group of friends and family that I spend time with and talk to if I'm feeling emotionally overwhelmed."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 23rd, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"Though it's difficult at times, I really try to set boundaries for work and home life. I try to deal with my emotions and stress from the day during my commute home, that way I am not bringing any burdens home to my family. Maintaining that boundary also allows me to focus on my family when I'm at home and prioritize self-care and time to rest and recharge before my next shift. I make time for things I love when I'm not at work, like engaging and participating with my local book club and volunteering in my daughter's classroom."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 23rd, 2023
3rd Answer Example
"Stress is a natural part of the job when you're working with high acuity patients. Working with addiction patients requires a lot of focus, attention to detail, and constant observation, which can take a toll on you mentally and physically. When I'm at work, I'm focused on being the best nurse I can be for my patients, and when I'm at home, I focus on self-care and spending time with my loved ones. This means putting my phone away and being engaged in the moment, whether that's playing with the kids at the park, or going on an evening walk. Taking time to do the things I enjoy helps me recharge and let go of any negative feelings or emotions I have from the day."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 23rd, 2023
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I try to separate work from my personal life. When I am at work, I am focused on working and when I get home, I turn off my phone and email for work and focus on self-care to recharge and spend time with my loved ones.
I also have very supportive family and friends whom I can talk to and whenever I feel so overwhelmed, I talk to my counsellor."
Jaymie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I try to separate work from my personal life. When I am at work, I am focused on working and when I get home, I turn off my phone and email for work and focus on self-care to recharge and spend time with my loved ones. I also make sure to take my meal breaks to keep my strength and energy and take my fifteen-minute break to step outside to relax and get some quiet time.
I also have very supportive family and friends whom I can talk to and whenever I feel so overwhelmed, I talk to my counsellor."
Jaymie's Feedback