The Healthcare Trap

I’ll be honest with you, for the past month, I’ve had to take a total hiatus from anything other than my primary job. It became that all too familiar cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat. There was simply no time or mental energy left to think of anything else. I’m sure many of you can relate exactly to that feeling of being completely submerged.

So much has occurred since mid-December. It’s been a whirlwind of another routine survey, a few discharges, several new admissions, an influenza outbreak, covering vacation time for others, and a few worked holidays sprinkled in for good measure.

The Breaking Point

I finally had some time to let go a bit and relax this past weekend. But as many of you know, when you finally stop moving, that’s when everything breaks open. I let all of my stored up frustration out, and unfortunately, my family got the brunt of it.

As I get older, I’m learning that my ability to handle these "long stretches" is changing. At times, this makes me feel inadequate, like I should be able to push harder or stay in the trenches longer. But I’m realizing that feeling is a lie. Mental separation from work and dedicated time away isn't a luxury or a sign of weakness, it is a call to care for ourselves.

The Healthcare Trap

In healthcare, it is ingrained in us from day one to push ourselves past our limits for the good of others. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honor. While I absolutely believe we should do everything necessary to provide the most excellent care, we have to ask ourselves, how do we balance providing 24/7 care for others with filling our own cup when we’re run down?

I spend a lot of time encouraging the people I work with to find balance in their lives. I tell them to take time for themselves because I know the best care is given when we are fulfilled personally as well. But I don’t always practice what I preach.

A Goal for 2026

I am setting a goal for myself in 2026: Continuing to provide excellent care, but finding better balance.

We can be exceptional leaders and dedicated caregivers without sacrificing every ounce of our personal peace. In fact, if we want to still be doing this work years from now, we have to find that middle ground.

I want to hear from you! What brings you balance between work, family, and your own needs? How do you step away from the "long stretch" before you hit your breaking point?

Reach out and let’s chat! Let's make 2026 the year we finally find our balance together.