A reader writes: I’ve been working 12-hour shifts back-to-back for the past month, and last week I broke down in tears in the break room. I love being a nurse, but I’m exhausted and can’t seem to recover. How can I manage this burnout before it gets worse?

First, let’s acknowledge what happened. You broke down in tears after a month of back-to-back 12-hour shifts. That’s not a sign of weakness; it’s your mind and body waving a red flag. In any other profession, this kind of schedule would be unthinkable. But in nursing, it’s alarmingly common.

We need to talk about this culture of self-sacrifice. It’s ingrained in us from nursing school: put your patients first, always. But there’s a flaw in this thinking. An exhausted, emotionally drained nurse isn’t giving patients their best. You know those near-misses you’ve had recently? The times you’ve had to double-check your med calculations? That’s fatigue talking.

Research backs this up. Studies show that nurses working long shifts and overtime have higher rates of errors, not to mention health issues like depression and cardiovascular problems. So when I say you need to work fewer shifts, it’s not just for you—it’s a patient safety imperative.

I get the pushback. “We’re short-staffed!” “No one else can cover!” But this martyr mentality is unsustainable and, frankly, dangerous. It’s time to have a frank discussion with management. Bring data. Show them studies on nurse fatigue and error rates. Make it clear: cutting your hours isn’t a perk; it’s a necessity for safe patient care.

Now, let’s talk time off. Those vacation and personal days aren’t luxuries; they’re lifelines. Yet so many nurses leave PTO unused, wearing it like some badge of dedication. It’s not dedication; it’s a pathway to burnout. You wouldn’t expect your patients to heal without rest. Extend yourself the same courtesy.

Plan your time off strategically. Instead of one long vacation that leaves you dreading the return, consider spacing out long weekends or midweek breaks. Regular intervals of rest can prevent burnout better than one big escape.

But time off alone isn’t enough. You need to rediscover who you are outside the hospital walls. What did you love doing before nursing consumed your life? Maybe you were a painter, a hiker, a amateur chef. Reclaim those parts of yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. A nurse with outside passions brings more empathy and perspective to the bedside.

Also, scrutinize your off-hours. Are you spending them doom-scrolling on social media or watching mindless TV? That’s not recharging; it’s numbing. Instead, engage in activities that replenish you. Read books unrelated to medicine. Meet friends for conversations that don’t revolve around work. Your mind needs to fully disengage to truly rest.

Physical health plays a role too. You know better than anyone how lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and inactivity compound stress. Prioritize the basics: a consistent sleep schedule, nourishing meals, and regular movement. Even short walks or yoga sessions can significantly lower cortisol levels.

If you’re struggling to make these changes alone, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Many hospitals offer employee assistance programs with confidential counseling. A therapist can help you set boundaries and process the emotional weight of your work.

Remember, pushing through isn’t a sustainable solution. It’s a setup for more serious consequences: clinical errors, health issues, or leaving the profession entirely. By working fewer shifts, using your time off, and investing in a life outside work, you’re not just preventing burnout. You’re safeguarding your ability to be the nurse you want to be—today, tomorrow, and years from now.

Nursing will always demand much of us. But we get to decide how much we give. Choose sustainability. Choose boundaries. Choose a life that fuels your passion rather than extinguishing it. Your patients, and more importantly, you, deserve nothing less.