Self-care: Avoiding Burnout (For Nurses and Clinicians)

If you're exhausted, numb, snapping at people you love, or dreading your next shift, this book helps you understand what's really going on and what to do about it in a realistic, nurse-friendly way. Written by Angel Daniel Giles, EdD, RN—an experienced nurse and clinical health educator—this book speaks directly to the realities of life in scrubs: long shifts, moral distress, short staffing, impossible documentation demands, and the unspoken pressure to "be strong" no matter what. Inside, you'll explore: What burnout really is (beyond "just stress") and why nurses and clinicians are uniquely at risk Early warning signs in your body, emotions, behavior, and patient care that you should never ignore Boundaries and mindset shifts that help you let go of the "hero" myth and reclaim your humanity On-shift self-care strategies you can actually use—before, during, and after work, even on the busiest days Life outside the badge: rebuilding hobbies, relationships, and identity beyond your role How to seek support at work and beyond, including sample scripts and reflection prompts A step-by-step personal self-care plan, with checklists, exercises, and fillable worksheets to create your own sustainable plan Each chapter includes reflection questions and practical worksheets to help you move from awareness to action—without needing hours of free time or a perfect schedule. Whether you're a student nurse, new grad, seasoned clinician, or returning to practice, Self-Care: Avoiding Burnout is your pocket guide to staying well, staying human, and staying in the work you were called to do—without losing yourself in the process.