Effective Tips for Work-life Balance as a Nurse Entrepreneur: Work-life balance often seems like a myth to Nigerian nurses due to many reasons. For many Nigerian nurses, they work in a short-staffed environment, making it difficult to have a good work-life balance. Hence, it becomes very difficult to run a business and still manage a successful nursing career.
For example, I know several nurses who are running their businesses and I wonder how they cope with life. Two years ago, one of my colleagues fell really ill because she had to travel several miles every month to get clothes and bags. Considering the inflation rate in Nigeria today, it is almost impossible not to have another source of income. So, if you will be juggling multiple jobs, the question is how can you balance the demands of the nursing profession and your personal business.
Effective Tips for Work-life Balance as a Nurse Entrepreneur
1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for both your nursing duties and entrepreneurial ventures. I recommend that you use Focus on completing these tasks first to minimize stress and maintain productivity. If you have often struggled with priortizing your tasks, I will recommend that you use the quadrant of time management matrix.
The 4 categories of the time management matrix are:
Quadrant 1: Urgent and important. For instance, you have a client who needs you to deliver your services or project in less than 4 hours, that is not the time for you to help your colleagues stand in at work. Especially if the client has paid you already. This is because failure to serve your clients effectively may eventually affect your business.
Quadrant 2: Not urgent yet important. Imagine that a client reached out to you on phone, but you are about to write your report at work. While the call may be very important, it is not urgent. You can easily tell your client to call back later.
Quadrant 3: Urgent but not important. As a nurse entrepreneur, there may be days when both your nursing work and your business clashes. At such times, you need to understand that caring for yoour patient should be your topmost priority.
Quadrant 4: Not urgent and not important.
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific times for work-related activities and ensure to switch off from work during personal time to avoid burnout.
3. Delegate Responsibilities: Delegate tasks that others can handle, whether it’s hiring assistance for your business or collaborating with colleagues in your nursing practice. Delegating allows you to focus on core responsibilities and reduces workload. For example, you might need to hire a social media manager to help you manage your business page so you can concentrate whenever you are at work. You might also need to hand over your business line to your sales girl to ease you of the stress of talking to your customers during work hours.
4. Practice Time Management: Efficiently manage your time by creating schedules and prioritizing tasks. Use tools like calendars or productivity apps to organize your day and ensure you allocate time for both work and personal activities. You can also set alarms to ensure that you don’t forget your tasks everyday of the week.
5. Learn to Say No: Avoid overcommitting yourself by learning to avoid tasks or opportunities that may interfere with your work-life balance. We all know that many hospitals in Nigeria are short-staffed, and your boss will expect that you always stand in for others, or work extra hours. Please learn to say No. If not for yourself at least for the growth of your business. Focus on activities that align with your priorities and goals.
6. Stay Active and Healthy: Make time for regular exercise and prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Incorporate activities like walking, jogging, or yoga into your routine to reduce stress and improve overall health.
7. Invest in Networking: Build a support network of friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide encouragement, advice, and assistance when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when feeling overwhelmed. If you are a business person, there are several communities for business owners in Nigeria. There are legit groups where you can easily network and meet people of like minds and also find trusted partners.
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Conclusion
Finally, I will advise that you regularly assess your work-life balance and adjust as needed. Reflect on what’s working well and what areas need improvement, and be open to making changes to achieve a healthier balance. While it may seem difficult, you can still enjoy a balanced life as a Nigerian nurse entrepreneur. Never forget that, balancing work and life is essential for overall well-being and long-term success in both career and business endeavors.