Last updated on Jun 27, 2024

You're feeling burnt out as a patient advocate. How can you reignite your passion for the work?

Feeling burnt out is a common experience in many professions, especially those involving intense emotional labor like patient advocacy. As a patient advocate, you tirelessly work to ensure the best outcomes for your clients, often navigating complex healthcare systems and advocating for patients' rights and needs. It's a role that requires immense compassion and resilience, but it can also lead to exhaustion and a loss of motivation. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the passion that initially drove you to this career, it's crucial to take steps to reignite that spark and continue making a difference in patients' lives.

1 Self-Care First

Self-care is not just a buzzword; it's an essential practice for anyone in a caregiving role. You must prioritize your well-being to effectively support others. Start by assessing your physical and mental health needs. Are you getting enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition? Do you have emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist? Taking care of your body and mind can help restore your energy and perspective, making you a more effective advocate for your patients.

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Hamze Salhab

MSF International Mobile Staff | Registered Nurse | Emergency Specialist | Patient Safety Specialist
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Prioritize your own physical and mental well-being. Take breaks, practice stress management techniques, and engage in activities that rejuvenate you. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

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2 Set Boundaries

Establishing clear professional boundaries is critical in preventing burnout. Determine what hours you will work and stick to them, and learn to say no when necessary. Remember, you are not alone in this fight; it's okay to delegate tasks or ask for help. Setting boundaries helps maintain a balance between your advocacy work and personal life, ensuring that neither is neglected.

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Jenny Hambleton

Director of Partnerships | Elevating Patient Voices through AI
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It's important to set boundaries to prevent burnout in patient advocacy work. Personally, I set aside time to walk the dogs, workout, and don't look at work after 6pm or on the weekends unless absolutely necessary. This allows me time to recharge and regroup to show up 100% for my work.

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3 Connect with Peers

Connecting with fellow patient advocates can be incredibly rejuvenating. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with peers who understand the unique pressures of your role can provide comfort and inspiration. Consider joining professional networks or support groups where you can engage in meaningful conversations and exchange practical advice.

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4 Reflect on Impact

Take time to reflect on the positive impact you've had as a patient advocate. Recall specific instances where your efforts made a significant difference in a patient's life. These moments of success are not just victories for your clients; they are testaments to your skill and dedication. Reminding yourself of these achievements can rekindle your passion for the work.

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5 Embrace Learning

The field of patient advocacy is ever-evolving, with new challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing continuous learning can help you stay engaged and motivated. Whether it's attending workshops, pursuing further education, or simply staying updated on healthcare policies, expanding your knowledge can provide a fresh perspective and enhance your advocacy efforts.

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6 Find Inspiration

Finally, seek out new sources of inspiration. This could be through reading uplifting stories, listening to motivational speakers, or engaging in activities that reignite your passion for helping others. Inspiration can come from many places, and finding what resonates with you can be a powerful tool in overcoming burnout and rediscovering your enthusiasm for patient advocacy.

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Kayla Nixon M.Ed.

Communications Manager | Digital Marketing Enthusiast | Travel Photographer
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Inspiration can be found in transparency. Think of a part of your story or experience that you haven't shared at all yet or some detail you may feel wasn't as important before. It is often the intricate parts of our journeys that resonate with people most, especially others who have faced similar challenges as you. We often look everywhere but ourselves for inspiration, but it is important to remember just how much you have to offer that has been shaped by critical moments in your life. While we can find inspiration from motivational speakers, what we see online and elsewhere, there's a wealth of knowledge and inspiration within you.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Hamze Salhab

MSF International Mobile Staff | Registered Nurse | Emergency Specialist | Patient Safety Specialist
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Redefine Your Role Evaluate whether your current responsibilities align with your strengths and interests. Consider ways to restructure your role or find new opportunities that better fit your skills and energize you. Seek Mentorship Find an experienced patient advocate who can provide guidance, support, and fresh perspectives. A mentor can offer valuable insights and help you navigate challenges in a more sustainable way.

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You're feeling burnt out as a patient advocate. How can you reignite your passion for the work?

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1 Self-Care First

2 Set Boundaries

3 Connect with Peers

4 Reflect on Impact

5 Embrace Learning

6 Find Inspiration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

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You're feeling burnt out as a patient advocate. How can you reignite your passion for the work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Self-Care First

2 Set Boundaries

3 Connect with Peers

4 Reflect on Impact

5 Embrace Learning

6 Find Inspiration

7 Here’s what else to consider

Patient Advocacy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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