The Challenges Nurses Are Facing Feel Impossible: Director of Clinical Operations Teresa Ann Zercher Explains How They're Staying Strong

BLANCO, TEXAS, USA, January 13, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Nurses have stressful jobs in the best of times, and the pandemic has taken the difficulties they face day to day to another level. Director of Clinical Operations Teresa Ann Zercher explains how nurses are prioritizing self-care and family communication to maintain their sanity while dealing with the onslaught of stress caused by COVID-19. 


According to Teresa Ann Zercher, some nurses are working longer hours than ever before. While it's normal for nurses to work 12-hour shifts that often turn into 13- or 14-hour shifts, many nurses find that their units are understaffed due to healthcare providers catching COVID-19 or needing to stay in quarantine after exposure. This can mean that nurses are putting in more than the required hours in order to provide care for their patients. 


Catching short naps can be an important part of dealing with long shifts, according to Teresa Ann Zercher. Nurses keep a teamwork mentality and help one another get rest whenever possible. While staying on top of sleep as much as possible is important for providing great patient care, it's also important for helping nurses manage their stress levels. Even lying down for a 20-minute nap can be enough to create a refreshed state of mind. 


Video chatting with family is another way that nurses are working to stay mentally strong, according to Teresa Ann Zercher. Many nurses are having a hard time being away from loved ones, especially their young children. Video chatting during quick breaks on shifts can be a fun way to keep the family connection strong while away from home, says Teresa Ann Zercher. 

Teresa Ann Zercher also says that many nurses are turning to mindfulness practices in order to help them manage stress, both on and off the job. Using meditation apps, taking a few quiet moments to reflect on the day after a long shift, participating in virtual yoga classes, and journaling all are ways that nurses are keeping calm during the pandemic.

One of the questions Teresa Ann Zercher gets most frequently is how people who are not in the healthcare profession can support care providers. While gift cards, food delivery, and other gifts are appreciated, she says that the best thing the general public can do for doctors and nurses is adhering to social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. If we all do our part to stop COVID-19, nurses may soon be able to rest easy as their workload lightens, says Teresa Ann Zercher. 

Caroline Hunter
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