How to Combat Nurse Fatigue and Maintain Energy

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, shouldering long shifts and emotionally taxing responsibilities to provide exceptional care. While the dedication of nurses is unmatched, the demanding nature of your work often leads to nurse fatigue, which affects both personal well-being and patient safety. Addressing the root causes of nursing fatigue is crucial for maintaining energy, focus and long-term health.

Let’s explore the causes of fatigue in nursing, share its effects and discover actionable tips to help combat nurse burnout and stay energized.

What Causes Nurse Fatigue?

Nurse fatigue is a multifaceted issue rooted in the physical, mental, and emotional demands of the profession. According to a study published by the American Nurses Association (ANA), more than 62% of nurses report feeling regularly exhausted, with fatigue cited as a primary factor affecting performance and well-being.¹

Understanding the underlying causes of nurse fatigue is the first step toward creating meaningful change. By identifying these triggers, nurses and healthcare organizations can work together to implement strategies that mitigate fatigue and improve both nurse and patient outcomes.²

1. Long Shifts and Extended Hours

Many nurses work 12-hour shifts or longer, often compounded by overtime and unpredictable schedules.³ These extended hours can lead to physical exhaustion, reduced alertness, and a lack of time for adequate rest. Over time, the accumulation of long shifts can take a toll on overall health and performance.

2. High-Stress Work Environments

The work environment in hospitals and other healthcare settings is inherently high-pressure. Nurses frequently juggle multiple priorities, handle emergencies, and face critical decisions—all while meeting the needs of your patients. This constant stress can contribute to nurse fatigue and emotional exhaustion, particularly when staffing levels are low.

3. Lack of Quality Sleep

Shift work, especially night shifts, disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to inconsistent and poor-quality sleep. Nurses often struggle to balance rest with other responsibilities, such as family and personal obligations, which exacerbates fatigue and increases the risk of burnout.

4. Physical Demands of the Job

Nursing is a physically demanding profession. It requires long periods of standing, lifting patients, and performing repetitive tasks. These activities can lead to muscle strain and injury, further contributing to nurse fatigue. Proper equipment, like supportive footwear and well-fitting scrubs, can help mitigate some of these challenges.

5. Emotional Exhaustion and Compassion Fatigue

Nurses often form deep connections with patients, which is both rewarding and emotionally taxing. Compassion fatigue—a form of emotional exhaustion caused by caring for others—is a common issue in nursing. Over time, this can lead to decreased motivation, burnout, and difficulty maintaining professional boundaries.

Effects of Nurse Fatigue on Health and Work

Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience—it has real consequences for nurses and the patients you care for. The following are some of the most notable effects of nursing fatigue:

Physical Symptoms

Nurses experiencing fatigue may develop physical symptoms such as chronic muscle pain, sleep disorders, and frequent illnesses. These issues can lead to an increased risk of injury and long-term health complications.

Mental Health Challenges

Fatigue significantly impacts mental health, often leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness among nurses. A 2023 survey by the American Nurses Foundation revealed that 64% report heightened stress due to their job.⁴ Prolonged stress without adequate support increases the likelihood of these mental health challenges, diminishing quality of life and job satisfaction for healthcare professionals.

Impact on Job Performance and Patient Safety

Nurses and fatigue don’t mix when it comes to delivering high-quality patient care. Fatigue can lead to lapses in concentration, slower reaction times, and increased errors in clinical settings. In critical environments like hospitals, even small mistakes can jeopardize patient safety.

Long-Term Risks of Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is more than an inconvenience—it can have severe, lasting consequences for nurses' health, performance, and professional fulfillment. Left unaddressed, it often leads to burnout, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immune function, making nurses more prone to illness. Additionally, nurses experiencing persistent fatigue may leave the profession, worsening staffing shortages and increasing stress on remaining team members.

Here are the key risks of chronic fatigue:

1. Burnout: Fatigue often evolves into emotional exhaustion, reducing job satisfaction and motivation.
2. Health Issues: Prolonged fatigue has been linked to cardiovascular problems and reduced immune function.
3. Errors and Safety Risks: Fatigue increases the likelihood of mistakes, which can compromise patient care.
4. Professional Turnover: Chronic fatigue drives many nurses to leave the field, impacting staffing and workloads.
5. Impact on Nurse Work-Life Balance: Long-term fatigue can spill over into personal life, making it difficult to maintain relationships and manage responsibilities outside of work.

Combating these risks requires support from healthcare organizations and self-care practices, like prioritizing rest and wearing supportive scrubs to ease physical strain during long shifts. Proactive measures help protect nurses' health and sustain your passion for caregiving.

5 Tips to Combat Nurse Fatigue

Fighting nurse fatigue starts with proactive steps to care for your mind and body. Here are five practical strategies to help nurses maintain your energy and well-being during demanding shifts.

1. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene

Quality sleep is essential for combating fatigue, but irregular schedules often make it challenging for nurses to rest adequately. To improve your sleep hygiene:

• Stick to a consistent sleep routine, even on your days off.
• Create a calming bedtime environment by reducing light and noise.
• Avoid caffeine or heavy meals before bedtime, especially after night shifts.

For nurses and fatigue, improving sleep patterns is one of the most effective ways to reduce exhaustion and enhance alertness during work.

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Proper hydration and nutrition fuel your body for long hours on your feet. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars to keep hunger at bay. Keep a water bottle handy to encourage frequent hydration throughout your shift.

Pairing your meal prep with a dedicated nursing bag ensures you have everything you need, including healthy snacks, on hand. Staying hydrated and well-nourished can help mitigate the effects of fatigue and support long-term health.

3. Incorporate Mindfulness and Stress Management

Taking a few moments to reset your mind can make a significant difference in managing stress. Quick mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, can help you feel more centered during hectic workdays.

Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided meditations specifically designed for busy professionals. These small but impactful practices can reduce burnout and improve mental clarity.

4. Physical Activity and Stretching

Even brief periods of movement can combat physical exhaustion and enhance circulation. Incorporate simple stretches during your breaks to relieve tension in your neck, back, and legs. Walking for a few minutes or doing light exercises can also help reduce muscle stiffness and boost energy levels.

Wear durable scrubs and supportive footwear to stay comfortable while staying active. Cherokee’s women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs are designed to move with you, ensuring you’re always ready for action.

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5. Optimize Your Schedule

Efficient time management is key to reducing nurse fatigue. Take your breaks when scheduled, even if the work environment feels busy. Using paid time off (PTO) when needed is another important way to recharge and prevent burnout.

Work with your employer to create a schedule that aligns with your needs, whether that’s avoiding consecutive 12-hour shifts or incorporating more frequent rest days. By setting boundaries and prioritizing rest, you can improve your performance and sustain your passion for nursing.

Prioritize Your Comfort & Care

Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding profession, but staying energized and focused requires intentional self-care. Whether it’s improving your sleep, managing stress, or investing in high-quality scrubs, small changes can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your shifts.

Cherokee understands the unique challenges nurses face and is committed to supporting your journey. Our thoughtfully designed scrubs combine comfort, durability, and practicality, helping you focus on what matters most—providing the best possible patient care.

Explore Cherokee’s full range of scrubs and accessories to discover essentials that help reduce nursing fatigue and enhance your daily routine. You deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and cared for—because when nurses thrive, everyone benefits.

Sources:

¹ ANA Nursing Hub. What is Nurse Burnout? How to Prevent It. https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/workplace/what-is-nurse-burnout-how-to-prevent-it/. Accessed on January 27, 2025.

² American Nurses Association. Nurse fatigue: A shared Responsibility. https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ant11-ANA-NPI-1026.pdf. Accessed on January 27, 2025.

³ Relias. Extended Nurse Work Hours and Patient Safety: Effects and Solutions. https://www.relias.com/blog/nurse-work-hours-and-patient-safety. Accessed on January 27, 2025.

⁴ American Nurses Foundation. The American Nurses Foundation Says Action is Still Needed to Address Serious Nursing Workforce Challenges. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2023/the-american-nurses-foundation-says-action-is-still-needed-to-address-serious-nursing-workforce-challenges/. Accessed on January 27, 2025.