PA College Magazine - Winter 2022 - 1

SECOND
OPINION
Q How do you handle workplace stress?
A Our experts weigh in.
"
"
Nicole (Nikki) Shaffer '94,
DNP, MSN, BSN, RN,
CRNP-BC, COHN-S,
FAAOHN
For me, workplace stress has really
become the stress of balancing
working from home and when to end
the workday to transition to personal
time. Being able to have dinner
each night with my family is a stress
reliever and something I never gave
up during the busiest of work times.
I am also making a very conscious
effort to have " me time " -whether
that is 10 minutes outside, taking a
nap, baking, gardening or going for
a walk. " Me time " doesn't need to
be hours, it can be minutes and it is
amazing how much better and more
focused I can be. Find the things that
bring you joy in your life and don't
compromise, even if they are in small
increments. Also, allow yourself to feel
and not be on autopilot-sometimes
it feels easier to be on autopilot but
in the end, it bubbles up and adds to
resentment and burnout.
Walter Stewart '19, MHA
As a DaVita Operations Manager
for multiple subspecialty centers, I
also have an intrinsic responsibility
to help decrease the stress level of
those on my team. Two strategies
have helped:
1. Work smarter (not harder) and
learn ways to develop data- and
process-driven solutions to
solving issues. Many of our issues
are often solving for the root
cause, and knowing that the issue
will most likely reoccur allows us
to react quicker and with a plan.
2. Take time to energize yourself. As
health care professionals we give
all of our energy to our patients,
often emptying our tank, leaving
nothing for ourselves. There is a
need for self-preservation at times,
whether it is through taking time
off, taking 10 minutes throughout
a shift to check in with yourself
and recoup, or something else.
"
Evelin La Paz '14, '18,
MHA, CMI
My department's work reaches
the entire health system and we
are often pulled in all directions.
Additionally, my team is exposed
to many difficult conversations and
sensitive encounters; therefore, we
are likely to experience some level
of vicarious trauma. I manage my
stress with breathing exercises,
prioritizing what is important
and getting a good laugh. Firstly,
breathing helps on a physical level
by relaxing our muscles. Secondly,
prioritizing helps mentally by not
sweating the small stuff. Finally,
laughter is really the best medicine,
even when all we have left is laughing
at ourselves to keep the work
environment light!
PA College / Winter 2022
1
PA College Magazine - Winter 2022

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