10 Practical Approaches to Combat Nurse Fatigue

The issue of nurse fatigue is more prevalent than ever. In 2025, a significant 41% of nurses report feeling overwhelmed and overburdened. The primary causes of this fatigue include staff shortages, expanding responsibilities, and stringent regulations. Feeling disconnected from your role isn’t the only indicator of nurse fatigue. Exhausted nurses often show reduced efficiency, heightened irritability, and increased absenteeism to escape job stress. Such fatigue can strain relationships with peers and compromise patient care.

In this post, we will discuss:

• Causes of nurse fatigue
• Managing fatigue on the job
• Addressing fatigue outside the workplace

Causes of Nurse Fatigue

Nursing is both fulfilling and challenging. Nurses dedicated to delivering top-notch patient care often neglect their own well-being.

Extended Work Hours

Hospitals are under unprecedented strain, leading to longer and more frequent shifts for nurses. Some nurses may work up to 12 hours with minimal respite. Evidence shows the detrimental effects of such schedules. Prolonged hours contribute to dissatisfaction among patients due to diminished care quality. Extended shifts induce stress and fatigue, impairing a nurse’s ability to provide optimal patient care. Additionally, persistent exhaustion increases the risk of critical mistakes.

Suboptimal Work Conditions

A poor work environment is a leading cause of nurse fatigue. Ineffective leadership and lack of teamwork degrade the work experience, making it harder for nurses to stay engaged and motivated.

Increasing Workloads

Beyond long shifts, nurses face heavier workloads. Staff shortages significantly contribute to this issue. Poor management often results in a lack of qualified staff, forcing nurses to compensate, which leads to burnout and high turnover. This, in turn, perpetuates shortages. Difficult patients and conflicts with colleagues can also demoralize nurses, leading to self-doubt and decreased motivation, which may cause compassion fatigue.

Managing Nurse Fatigue at Work

Addressing nurse fatigue requires identifying job-related stressors. While factors like inadequate leadership and high turnover are uncontrollable, others are manageable. Here are a few strategies to help reduce fatigue:

Mindful Breathing

When feeling overwhelmed, pause and practice deep breathing. This mindfulness technique fosters calmness, helping manage stress and enhance empathy with patients.

Establishing Boundaries

Setting limits is key to preventing overcommitment. Resist pressure from supervisors or colleagues to take on extra duties. Establishing boundaries is vital, as it reduces the risk of burnout.

Healthy Habits

Busy schedules may hinder healthy practices like eating well or staying hydrated. Prioritize nutrition and hydration to avoid burnout. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers valuable resources on maintaining healthy eating habits in stressful work environments.

Taking Breaks

Though challenging, taking breaks is essential. A poor work-life balance can have negative outcomes. Some healthcare settings, like those at Cleveland Clinic, enforce vacation policies to ensure staff takes necessary rest.

Addressing Nurse Fatigue Outside Work

Managing workplace stress is vital, but addressing nurse fatigue is most effective outside work. Taking charge of personal life aspects can help reduce stress and empower nurses to be more resilient.

Prioritizing Self-care

Nurses often prioritize others and neglect their own self-care. Research links long working hours with unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Focus on rest, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation to combat fatigue.

Establishing a Routine

Without routines, stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits may arise. A routine helps combat fatigue and offers health benefits. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and allocating time for relaxation can promote mental recovery, aiding in task completion. A good routine also boosts stamina, improving performance over time. Plan meals and physical activities ahead of time to avoid unhealthy choices when tired. Setting aside time for hobbies, travel, and relaxation helps with recovery after shifts.

Maintaining Boundaries

Continue setting boundaries after work. Coworkers may contact you post-shift, but protecting your personal time is important. Simply saying “No, I’m not available” helps preserve your well-being.

Financial Management

A sound budget can help mitigate nurse fatigue. Managing finances offers security, reducing stress and providing a better work-life balance. Financial planning may even allow for reduced work hours, offering more time for family and self-care.

A budget helps you:

1. Understand your expenses
2. Monitor income
3. Set savings goals
4. Lower debt
5. Achieve work-life balance

Exploring New Opportunities

If you're feeling exhausted, consider exploring new career opportunities. Changing specialties or workplaces might help alleviate burnout. Reflect on your motivations and explore roles that fulfill you professionally.

Changing Specialties

Networking with nurses in other fields can help you better understand the duties and benefits of different roles. If your current role feels stagnant, pursuing further training or certifications may open new doors. American Nurses Association provides resources to help you navigate specialty changes.

Changing Workplaces

If your current job is draining, consider exploring a new environment. Hospitals like Mayo Clinic offer supportive workplace cultures, where well-being is prioritized, which could reduce the likelihood of burnout.

Next Steps

To tackle nurse fatigue, focus on the controllable factors. At work, practice mindfulness, set boundaries, and take regular breaks. Outside work, establish routines, prioritize self-care, and manage finances effectively. If fatigue persists, consider exploring new employment opportunities. Check out the GoodWork job listings to explore nursing opportunities with a focus on well-being.