Patient advocates are facing burnout in their work. How can you establish boundaries to protect yourself?

1 Personal Limits

Recognizing your personal limits is the first step in preventing burnout. Understand that your capacity to help others is finite and overextending yourself can be detrimental to both you and the patients you serve. Acknowledge the signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, and decreased job performance. By being self-aware and monitoring your stress levels, you can take proactive measures to rest and recharge before reaching a critical point.

2 Work Priorities

Setting clear work priorities is essential for managing your workload and preventing burnout. Identify the most critical tasks that need your attention and focus on completing them efficiently. Learn to differentiate between urgent issues that require immediate action and those that can be scheduled for a later time. This will help you manage your time better, reduce stress, and ensure you're not overwhelmed by an endless to-do list.

3 Delegate Tasks

Delegation is a key strategy in boundary-setting. You don't have to shoulder every responsibility alone. Identify tasks that can be handled by other team members or support staff and trust them to take care of these duties. Delegating not only lightens your workload but also empowers others by giving them opportunities to contribute meaningfully. Remember, teamwork is at the heart of effective patient advocacy.

6 Clear Communication

Clear communication with colleagues, patients, and their families is essential for setting realistic expectations and establishing boundaries. Be transparent about what you can and cannot do and communicate your availability. This clarity will help manage others' expectations and prevent misunderstandings that could add to your stress. Assertive communication is a skill that can be developed over time and is crucial for effective patient advocacy.