Learn how to cope and thrive as a nursing educator with these stress management tips. You'll discover how to balance your workload, well-being, and diversity.

As a leader of high functioning colleagues especially during the pandemic, it was critical for me to reinforce the importance of self-care but also empathy. We never know what’s going on in someone’s life. By creating safe spaces for teammates to share, it established vulnerability and trust. Reminding teammates to prioritize their well being by encouraging many to participate in meetings while on walks or on a stationary bike or in non-traditional environments were ways that encouraged them to bring best self to work. Prioritizing family time during times of high productivity expectations added a lot of credibility as a team lead. Discretional effort went through the roof as a result.

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How can you manage stress when teaching nursing students?

Teaching nursing students can be a rewarding but stressful career. You have to balance your own workload, expectations, and well-being with the needs, challenges, and diversity of your students. How can you manage stress when teaching nursing students? Here are some tips to help you cope and thrive as a nursing educator.

1 Identify your stressors

The first step to managing stress is to recognize what triggers it. Is it the lack of time, resources, or support? Is it the pressure to meet standards, outcomes, or evaluations? Is it the emotional impact of dealing with complex or sensitive issues? Once you identify your stressors, you can prioritize them and look for ways to address them. For example, you can delegate tasks, seek feedback, or ask for help when needed.

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2 Practice self-care

The second step to managing stress is to take care of yourself. You cannot teach effectively if you are burned out, exhausted, or unwell. You need to nourish your body, mind, and spirit with healthy habits and activities. For example, you can eat well, sleep enough, exercise regularly, meditate, or pursue hobbies. You can also set boundaries, say no, or take breaks when necessary. Remember, you are not a superhero. You are a human being who deserves respect and compassion.

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Roderick Oandasan, RN

Public Health Nurse | KAM/Sales Effectiveness Coach & Mentor, Patient Advocate, Health Equity Champion, Behavior Change Specialist
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As a leader of high functioning colleagues especially during the pandemic, it was critical for me to reinforce the importance of self-care but also empathy. We never know what’s going on in someone’s life. By creating safe spaces for teammates to share, it established vulnerability and trust. Reminding teammates to prioritize their well being by encouraging many to participate in meetings while on walks or on a stationary bike or in non-traditional environments were ways that encouraged them to bring best self to work. Prioritizing family time during times of high productivity expectations added a lot of credibility as a team lead. Discretional effort went through the roof as a result.

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3 Build relationships

The third step to managing stress is to cultivate positive and supportive relationships. You are not alone in your teaching journey. You have colleagues, mentors, peers, and friends who can offer you advice, encouragement, or assistance. You can also connect with your students, understand their backgrounds, perspectives, and goals, and create a safe and inclusive learning environment. By building relationships, you can foster trust, collaboration, and empathy among yourself and others.

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4 Learn and grow

The fourth step to managing stress is to embrace learning and growth. Teaching is a dynamic and evolving profession that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You can view challenges as opportunities to improve your skills, knowledge, and practice. You can also seek feedback, reflect on your performance, or pursue professional development. By learning and growing, you can enhance your confidence, competence, and creativity as a nursing educator.

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Roderick Oandasan, RN

Public Health Nurse | KAM/Sales Effectiveness Coach & Mentor, Patient Advocate, Health Equity Champion, Behavior Change Specialist
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Failure is always the best teacher. I learn more from my mistakes especially after investing time into a post-mortem. When I didn’t get the job or when we didn’t achieve our project targets or when I struggled as a coach to get to a deeper understanding on how I could help a team member…the process came down to two things: 1) Be interested not interesting 2) Be a kingmaker not a king By committing to understand or to collaborate on a common goal or embracing ambiguity and empathy, these were important for me to learn and grow. I’m inspired by leaders like Steve Jobs that believed in surrounding himself with folks much brighter than him so that he could learn and grown himself. His humility exemplifies what successful people do.

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5 Celebrate achievements

The fifth step to managing stress is to acknowledge and appreciate your achievements. You work hard to teach nursing students and prepare them for their future roles. You should be proud of your efforts, contributions, and impact. You can also recognize and celebrate the achievements of your students, colleagues, and peers. By celebrating achievements, you can boost your morale, motivation, and satisfaction as a nursing educator.

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Roderick Oandasan, RN

Public Health Nurse | KAM/Sales Effectiveness Coach & Mentor, Patient Advocate, Health Equity Champion, Behavior Change Specialist
Report contribution
I’m a big believer in Strengths Finder 2.0 as a leader. Rather than focus predominantly on areas of improvement, highlight areas of strength. Always put your people in positions in which they will succeed. Celebrate what they do well. Position them as mentors for others in areas of high achievement. With this comes trust and confidence in not only your ability to recognize their value but also increases self- confidence that your people can transfer their formula for success across many areas.

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6 Seek help

The sixth and final step to managing stress is to seek help when you need it. Sometimes, stress can become overwhelming, affecting your physical, mental, or emotional health. You should not hesitate to reach out for professional or personal support. You can talk to a counselor, therapist, or coach who can help you cope with stress and find solutions. You can also join a support group, network, or community of nursing educators who can share their experiences, insights, or resources.

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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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How can you manage stress when teaching nursing students?

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1 Identify your stressors

2 Practice self-care

3 Build relationships

4 Learn and grow

5 Celebrate achievements

6 Seek help

7 Here’s what else to consider

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