Becoming a professional caregiver can be both a challenging and rewarding journey. Once you’re training is completed, you feel like you’re ready to handle anything. You can’t wait to be a constant source of support for your clients.
Caregivers are empathetic, compassionate people. Unfortunately, their drive to care for others can also lead to burnout and disappointment. A study by the National Library of Medicine found that approximately 40% of caregivers report feeling burned out in their current employment.
The following tips from experienced caregivers can help you enjoy a long, fulfilling career without losing yourself in the process.
Table of Contents
1. Learn to Say No
Of course, you’re a superhero. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t have chosen this career. However, even superheroes have to say ‘no’ sometimes.
Saying no when someone asks for a favor—whether it’s related to work, home or family life—is difficult. And it’s even harder for people who are natural caregivers. But it’s necessary to set boundaries if you want to have a long career.
Consider these parameters the next time you’re asked to put something extra on your plate:
- Will saying yes prevent me from fulfilling another commitment I already made?
- Does saying yes to this enhance my day, or will it make me feel tired and burnt out?
- Have I said yes to this (person/event/organization) before and ended up regretting it?
- Is saying yes the best thing for my mental health right now?
For people who rarely or never say no, just getting the word out of your mouth can be difficult. Practice phrases such as “Unfortunately, I can’t,” or, “I’m unable to do that at this time” until you gain more confidence.
And remember, “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t need to explain or apologize for taking care of yourself.
2. Be Flexible
Your goal is to provide the best possible care for your client, not to make them do things your way. Allow for some flexibility on issues that are not medical necessities. Experiment with different approaches until you find techniques that work for the person you are caring for.
Remember, your patient has been forced to surrender control for so many aspects of their life. If a personal preference is not a threat to their health or safety, or that of others, let them do it their way. Your patient will be happier, and you will feel less exhausted at the end of the day.
3. Build Your Skills
Confidence is key in caregiving. The more training and experience you get, the more capable you’ll become—and the more your career as a professional caregiver will grow.
Continuing education courses may be necessary to retain your licensing, but don’t limit yourself to what you are obligated to do. Find complementary classes or workshops on aging that can help you understand and empathize with your clientele more fully.
4. Learn How to Communicate with Coworkers
Caregiving is not a solo job. In your workday, you will need to communicate with other professionals including doctors, nurses, and therapists. You are an important part of the team, but not the only member. Learning how to collaborate with other professionals to develop the best treatment plan for your client is a priority. Keep communications positive even when you have a different opinion, and don’t hesitate to speak up when you have a concern about care.
Wrapping It Up
Self-care is an extremely important skill for professional caregivers to develop. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
In addition to the tips above, the most valuable lesson experienced caregivers share is the need to take care of yourself. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food, regular exercise and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Don’t forget to have fun. Working in the healthcare field can sometimes be sad. Spending time with your family, going out with friends, and participating in the hobbies you enjoy will help keep your emotions in balance.