Nursing is a profession that demands passion, knowledge, skill, and resilience. Beyond your shifts, many of you juggle full-time work with full-time life, including the needs of growing children, aging parents or household responsibilities. You are the backbone of both your workplace and family, stretched thin yet expected to give endlessly.
Some days feel like a constant state of triage – balancing urgent needs while ensuring nothing critical is overlooked. At work, you’re a trusted professional, relied upon for expertise and leadership. At home, you’re a caregiver in a different way, guiding children, supporting a partner, or ensuring your parents receive care. Amid all this, your own wellbeing often falls to the bottom of the list.
One of the most difficult challenges for nurses can be to even recognize your own health and well-being needs amidst all the demands. You may push through pain or exhaustion, convinced that caring for others always comes first. One nurse reflected on a time when she was experiencing severe pain in her side but didn’t seek medical attention, continuing to work through the discomfort. It wasn’t until months later, during an ultrasound for an unrelated issue, that it was discovered she had been silently suffering from metabolic liver disease. The delay in recognizing her own health was a painful reminder of how easy it is to neglect ourselves while we focus on everyone else’s needs.
Another nurse shared a moment of clarity while caring for her ailing mother. She was in a panic, worried about missing one of her mother’s dressings, which had soaked through. The homecare nurse who was caring for her mother gently took her aside and reminded her that, in that room, she was not a nurse but a daughter. She didn’t need to carry the burden of guilt and stress that often accompanies the nursing profession. This moment was a gift, a reminder that it’s okay to let go of the nurse hat for a moment and simply be present as a family member.
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; it can be as simple as taking a walk, reading, or listening to a favourite song on your commute home.
The pressure is immense. You may feel exhausted, burned out, or guilty for not having enough time for everything or everyone. When you do carve out a moment for yourself, guilt can creep in. It can feel like no one fully sees the load you carry or how it never truly lets up.
We see you! If you feel overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Admitting it is a testament to how much you give to your patients and loved ones. While there are no easy solutions, small shifts can help. Setting boundaries at work and home can create space for rest. Seeking support – whether from coworkers, friends, or professional resources – can provide relief. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; it can be as simple as taking a walk, reading, or listening to a favourite song on your commute home.
Employers and healthcare organizations also have a role to play in supporting nurses by offering flexibility, when possible, wellness programs and support, and fostering a workplace culture that acknowledges these challenges in our profession. WeRPN also has your back by providing an online Self-Care Toolkit with modules focused on mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Across Ontario, RPNs deliver the best care possible, but growing pressures in the healthcare system are increasing stress and anxiety. That’s why self-care resources are essential – to help you maintain resilience while continuing to provide high-quality care.
Most importantly, we want you to feel seen. Your hard work – at work and at home – matters. Your exhaustion is valid. Your sacrifices are recognized. Through everything you manage, you deserve support, care, and the reminder that you, too, are worthy of rest. Thank you!
