Stress Awareness Month: Managing Stress for Better Outcomes in Long-Term Care

Every April, Stress Awareness Month serves as a reminder to pause and check in—with ourselves and each other. The observance was established to raise awareness about the effects of stress on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and to promote healthier ways to cope.

For nurses working in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living communities, and other post-acute care settings, the demands of the job can be intense. This month offers an opportunity to reflect, reset, and explore practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and continue providing the essential services and meaningful care that residents depend on.

The Toll of Stress on Long-Term Care Nurses 

Stress in nursing is more than just an emotional challenge—it has measurable effects on physical health, mental well-being, and job performance. Research shows:

  • Burnout is widespread, with nearly 63% of nurses reporting symptoms such as emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (American Nurses Association).
  • Cognitive performance declines under stress, which can reduce focus and increase the risk of medication errors (Journal of Nursing Management).
  • Chronic stress impacts health, contributing to high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and conditions like anxiety and depression (CDC).
  • Fatigue can reduce empathy, making it harder to form meaningful resident connections and maintain quality interactions.

Given these realities, it’s vital for long-term care nurses and team members to manage their stress, not only for their own health, but also to support essential responsibilities like medication administration and resident engagement.

Tips for Managing Stress in Long-Term Care Settings

 

  1. Stay Confident & Organized During Med Passes

In long-term and post-acute care environments, nurses manage complex medication regimens for residents with chronic conditions and evolving needs. Staying organized and following your facility’s medication management procedures reduces stress and enhances safety.

  • Follow your facility’s med pass protocols and use provided checklists or tools to stay focused and consistent.
  •  Collaborate with your team to minimize interruptions—quiet times for med passes can make a big difference.
  • Take time to double-check medications and resident identifiers as outlined in your facility’s policy, which is especially important when dealing with multiple medications, similar names, or medication changes.
  1. Prioritize Self-Care

Caring for others starts with caring for yourself. Taking small steps toward self-care can help you recharge. 

  • Prioritize rest—fatigue amplifies stress and affects decision-making.
  • Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated to maintain your energy throughout the day.
  • Try short breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques during breaks to stay grounded.
  1. Lean on Your Team

In long-term care, the work doesn’t stop—even when staffing is tight and essential services, like medication management must still be delivered. Managing your own stress helps make daily challenges more manageable. And remember, you’re not in it alone. 

  • Stay connected—talk with coworkers about workloads and responsibilities to stay on the same page and support one another when it counts. 
  •  Participate in peer support groups or quick huddles to share coping tips and encouragement.
  • When needed, speak up for staffing support—advocating for adequate coverage is part of protecting both resident care and team wellness.
  • If you have suggestions for how to improve or enhance services and job functions, share your ideas with your facility’s leadership. 
  1. Develop a Stress-Relief Routine

Creating healthy habits outside of work helps build long-term resilience. These moments of joy and reset can make all the difference.

  • Engage in hobbies outside of work – allow yourself to enjoy life!
  • Take short breaks during your shift when possible to reset and recharge.
  • Practice gratitude—remind yourself why you chose to care for seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living communities and celebrate small victories. 

Your commitment to clinical excellence not only benefits your residents—it also empowers you to show up as your best self. Recognizing and managing your stress is a meaningful step toward a healthier, more balanced life—inside and outside of work.

How Remedi SeniorCare Can Help

At Remedi SeniorCare, we recognize that stress can be heightened when managing the complex health needs of residents living in long-term care settings. That’s why efficient medication management is more than a convenience—it’s essential. Our technology-enabled pharmacy solutions are trusted by thousands of facilities to simplify medication passes, improve medication adherence, and enhance clinical, financial, and operational outcomes. From our 24-hour, unit-dose medication management system, PAXIT® to responsive customer service and dedicated support from our account management and consultant pharmacist teams, we’re here to make medication management seamless and stress-free. Learn more about how we can support your nurses and residents. www.RemediRx.com.