Burnout can be par for the course regarding being a military clinician. The number of clients you will see daily with different traumas can be overwhelming. More so, many clinicians internalize their clients’ pain, therefore, taking it home with them. They try too hard to fix everyone, but, in the end, clinicians end up hurting themselves. Here are some tips to help avoid or deal with burnout if this happens to you.
Handling Burnout as a Military Clinician
- Don’t Take On Too Much
It is easy to bite off more than you can chew as a military clinician. This especially happens when there is not enough staff to meet the demand. Clinicians tend to take on too much and too many clients, which can be psychologically damaging because there is no time for themselves. However, by knowing your limits and prioritizing your well-being first, you will better serve those who need and depend on you.
- Check In With Fellow Clinicians
As a military clinician, you are facing something unique yet exciting. Yet, the stress and emotions can be draining. That is why checking in with your fellow clinicians and forming a community is vital. You can be a shoulder to lean on by being there for one another, as only military clinicians can be. You see the struggles; you hear the stories, this is not a typical psychological experience, and one must recognize this to keep forging ahead.
- See A Medical Doctor
Making time for routine physicals is vital to avoid burnout. Only medical professionals can evaluate you and your health to ensure you are living up to the highest quality possible. It is easy to put yourself last, especially as a military clinician, but your health is as important as those you treat. Do not let it fall by the wayside, which could lead to bigger health issues and conditions down the line.
- Provide Feedback
Only you, as a military clinician, can clarify what is working for you and what in the system is failing. Always provide feedback and open dialogue to your supervisor or to whom you report to ensure the work environment is up to par. You should never feel uncomfortable speaking up when something is wrong or hindering your career.
- Check In With Yourself
Though it may sound strange, check in with yourself daily. Are you sleeping enough? Taking vitamins? Drinking enough water and staying hydrated? Allowing yourself time to separate from your job as a military clinician and a basic human being is essential. Plus, doing something of value for yourself, as much as time allows, will only make you stronger in your profession.
- Take A Break
Easier said than done, but military clinicians must take a break from their jobs to return to center. What does this mean? Taking vacation time and days off is a way to recalibrate your brain and collect yourself. Once you have done this, again, you can better be of service to those who need your help.
- See A Psychologist
Yes, talking to fellow associates about the stressors of being a military clinician can be beneficial. However, checking in with a personal and unbiased psychologist/psychiatrist can be extremely helpful in avoiding burnout or even detect it as it is happening. Psychologists can offer tools to make the work environment more manageable and be a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. There is a need to release, but sometimes you may feel you must keep a strong face. It is okay to break down, it is okay to feel, and it is okay to be human. These stories you hear are tough and cannot be handled lightly.
- Talk To Family & Friends
Your family/ friends may not be employed as military clinicians, but they support you. They will also be the ones who suffer in the long run if you do not speak up and out about how you’re feeling. You should feel comfortable enough to tell them about your highs and lows so they can lend a sympathetic ear. They care about you, and your well-being, so do not take that for granted.
- Know You’re Not Alone
You will be less likely to experience burnout if you remind yourself that you are not alone. The military is a collective experience, and many also feel varied emotions. It is okay to feel and remind yourself that you have a built-in community of comrades who will understand that this is a tough field. Though they may not be in the same profession as you, the military helps to form a bond that cannot be easily broken.
- Do Not Go To Work Sick
Working while sick can lead to worse health situations and ailments. Though you may think you can function in your position, this is likely untrue. Take time to heal and recover, or you’ll be useless to anyone. Plus, you run the risk of getting others sick, and that is something that no one needs. The more people down, the more stress ultimately put on you, which will inevitably cause burnout.
Ready To Take On A Job As A Military Clinician?
If you know how to avoid burnout, you are less likely to experience it. Additionally, you can help to spot it in other professionals around you and assist when needed. Many opportunities exist if being a military clinician seems like a position you want to take on. We at The Arora Group can help answer any questions and find the proper placement for you. Contact us for further assistance or to speak to someone who can help you meet your goals.
At The Arora Group, we aim to provide healthcare staffing services to the men and women who serve our country with the highest-quality medical care possible. Our award-winning company is Joint Commission-certified and has cared for our men and women in uniform for over 30 years.
As a leading government healthcare staffing service, we’ve had the privilege of supporting the Air Force, Army, and Navy, the intelligence community, and other federal customers. We strive to offer world-class healthcare experiences to our nation’s heroes, ensuring those who serve get what they need to thrive.