Burnt-out and realizing it’s time for a change.

I had always been able to juggle family, school, and work life well, including roles as class mom, scout leader, and community volunteer, completing my doctorate in nursing, and working two jobs. But at a certain point, and despite my supportive family’s efforts, I began to burn out. Working as a nurse leader for a behavioral health unit was a dream come true and a nightmare all in one. I found myself caring so much, investing so much of myself, that I lost myself in the process.

In the hope that it would help, I moved back to nursing education. It didn’t. There was a void. I was missing something. I was missing me.

Maybe this is what burnout on the way to compassion fatigue feels like. But whatever we call it, my response was to quit my job and hike the Appalachian Trail for five months from Maine to Georgia with my husband. We’d always lived simply, and once we’d made the decision to go, the pieces fell into place.

Along the way, I made many discoveries. It’s paradoxical that I’d gone hiking to forget about nursing, yet I was reminded about it with each step.

Here are some souvenirs from the trail that helped me to return to nursing with resilience.

1. Best foot forward.

Early on, I tripped often. I was distracted by negative thoughts until I realized that if I wanted the day to go smoothly, I must put my best foot forward, keeping a positive attitude despite the size or difficulty of the mountain or the task ahead. One study found that sending positive thoughts to nurses throughout the day through smartphone apps helped improve their perception of work life. While no panacea, I suggest trying to start each workday on the right foot, sharing positive thoughts, quotes, or compliments with colleagues when the moment seems right.

2. Never quit on a bad day.

Our scariest moments were atop a bald mountain during a horrific storm. We had no refuge but remained steadfast. It has been suggested that it takes endurance to avoid quitting when things become difficult. Without this persistence, atrophy of the acquired skill can result, whether it’s leadership or playing the violin. Instead of quitting, focus on the nearest destination—whether it be the next step down the mountain to safety or a breather in the break room for refuge.

3. Plan ahead and check equipment.

Our gear was sacred, as it kept us safe. Rain, snow, and injuries were some of the barriers faced while hiking. Planning for setbacks helped us to remain composed and mindful that the situation was temporary and we would prevail. Good days don’t just happen; we make them happen. Carefully planning your workday, checking equipment, and following regulatory agency recommendations and checklists seem mundane, but it’s for safety’s sake. Safety checks are the core of patient care and the achievement of certain goals, so carve time to do so.

4. Take care of your feet.

While hiking the first 100 miles of wilderness, my feet grew, I broke my toe, and earned serious blisters. I never had such an appreciation for healthy feet until then. According to one study, nurses in some departments walk an average of five miles per shift. Our feet carry us through life—thank them by wearing supportive socks and shoes and taking time to stretch and massage them daily to prevent arthritis.

5. ‘Camel up!’

Water was scarce on the Appalachian Trail. We sought streams and lakes to collect/filter
water along the way, then drank as much as we could tolerate before continuing. I’m thankful to be able to drink water at will now, but mask mandates remind me to “camel up” when I can because it may be
hours before I can drink again. Getting enough water can prevent dehydration, which can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, hypothermia, constipation, and kidney stones. Take your breaks and cherish every sip!

6. Check your compass.

On the trail it’s obvious that you need to know your position and what lies ahead to plan food resupply, sunsets, and much else. But it’s equally important to reassess your personal compass to see where you are. Perhaps you’re feeling disengaged from work because you aren’t doing enough that’s new or challenging? Consider resetting your compass by learning more about your profession or studying for a certification. A study of critical care nurses found that healthy work environments lead to more engaged nurses, decreased burnout, lower turnover, and better patient care. Try conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis on your unit to see where you are as a team.

7. You cannot stumble on what’s behind you.

It’s true! That error you made, that meeting you missed, that patient you didn’t get to say goodbye to…is all behind you. Stop beating yourself up and move forward. Many have wisely observed that the journey is the real destination. My favorite part of the Appalachian Trail wasn’t summiting the final mountain, but the discoveries we made along the way. Although nursing is faced with difficult challenges, we can enjoy the journey, the calling—together.

8. Or walk a labyrinth!

Thru-hiking may not be an option. But there are other ways to take a meaningful journey, like walking a labyrinth. Tips for how to walk a labyrinth include the following: Prior to entering a labyrinth, set your intention by taking a moment to say/write a question, thought, or word. As you enter, release distractions and anxieties. When you reach the center, say the word you chose. Take time to rest in the center to receive a message before bringing it out with you upon your return. Enjoy your journey.

By Sharon Geidel, DNP, RN, RN-BC, nursing professional development specialist, Garnet Health Medical Center.