Doctors, nurses and others on the COVID-19 front lines need to take care of themselves, too. The welfare of the healthcare workforce is an essential tool in managing the public health emergency.

Working Well, a program of the South Carolina Hospital Association, says micro-actions and mindset shifts can build individual resiliency, which is the ability to manage or recover readily from adverse conditions or situations.

“During urgent times, reactions to stress manifest differently depending on our unique personalities,” says program manager Jen Wright. “We want to help our healthcare workforce stay resilient during a highly stressful and uncertain time.”

Specific recommendations target staff on the front lines of patient care, leaders making critical decisions about operations and workforce, and support staff working remotely in social isolation.

For caregivers, that may mean periodic stretch breaks, reflections on reasons to be grateful and five minutes to unwind at the end of a shift. For administrators, it’s about good communication, flexibility and addressing employee concerns. For all staff, tips include limiting news and social media, staying in contact with family and friends and taking time to go outside.

Working Well’s full Micro-actions and Mindset Guide for Healthcare Workers is available for all hospitals and healthcare workers to prevail in these challenging times.