Kansas Medical Professionals: Cope with Stress or Risk Losing your License

Stress, some would argue, is just part of the job for most medical professionals. Whether you are a doctor, nurse or therapist, you undoubtedly are under a considerable amount of stress not only at work, but also in your personal life. As such, medical professionals need to learn how to recognize and cope with stress—much like they have learned to deal with difficult patients and coworkers. Failing to deal effectively with stress can lead to a multitude of problems and ultimately put a professional’s license at risk by interfering with the quality of care that their patients deserve. This can ultimately lead to patient complaints and a litany of other problems.  With this in mind, there are a number of tips you should consider in managing your stress levels:

  • Identify the source: If you feel stressed out, try to take a minute to determine what is causing the stress. Is the tension you are feeling related to a work-related event, such as a trying patient, or do you just feel more stressed because of something going on in your personal life? Medical professionals are “real” people too and have personal problems that can sometimes inconspicuously spill over into work. Once you identify the source of stress, you can take appropriate actions to address the issue.
  • Take a break: Sometimes a small break from a stressful situation can make a big difference. Briefly removing yourself from the situation can often bring you clarity and allow you to regain your composure. Recognizing that you are stressed and allowing yourself to determine an appropriate response is key. Stress in the workplace may seem inevitable, but remember, you can take control of how you handle it so your patients do not suffer as a result.
  • Be on the lookout: Stress does not look the same on all people. In one person, stress may resemble anxiety while in another it may manifest itself as anger. Unmanaged stress can also lead to depression, job-related burn-out and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Once you are aware of how you deal with stress, the better you can cope. 
  • Determine a way to cope with stress: The good news is that there are many ways to cope with stress. From exercise to meditation to engaging in an activity that you thoroughly enjoy, the key is to find something that works for you. If you are not finding relief from stress after trying a few different approaches, it may be a good idea to seek the advice of a professional. Therapists and counselors can help you gain insight into the source of your stress and how to successfully manage it.

If you are medical professional who is being reviewed by the Kansas Board of the Healing Arts or Board of Nursing, the Sanger Law Office can help. I invite you to call the Sanger Law Office at 785-979-4353 for a free and completely confidential consultation. As a medical professional your license is not just your career it is your livelihood. You can rely on Danielle Sanger and the Sanger Law Offices to investigate the charges being brought against you and defend your professional license and protect your reputation.

 

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