Thriving Remotely Overnight: Empowering Nurse Informaticists to Stay Healthy and Productive

Purpose: This poster presentation examines the unique challenges of overnight remote-working nurse informaticists in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and offers practical tips for mitigating these effects.

Description: In 2020, the World Health Organization classified working night shifts as a probable class 2A carcinogen. Potential health risks associated with night shift work include circadian disruption, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal abnormalities, mental health disruptions, and increased cancer risk. This is in addition to stress caused by technical issues, limited supervisory support, isolation, disconnection, and threats to work-life balance. This poster explores evidence-based strategies to promote physical, mental, and social well-being among these professionals. Learners will be able to identify strategies to promote physical, mental, and social well-being among overnight remote-working nurse informaticists.

Key recommendations include establishing a structured daily routine, regular check-ins with supervisors to maintain a sense of community and support, prioritizing health by incorporating regular exercise and a healthy balanced diet, adopting practices that prevent eye strain from prolonged screen time, and seeking support through networks and professional organizations to increase socialization and combat isolation and stress. By integrating these practices, nurse informaticists can enhance their overall health and productivity, ensuring they remain resilient and effective. The findings highlight the necessity for supportive measures to address the well-being of nurse informaticists, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.

Evaluation/outcome: Implementing these evidence-based practices has enhanced overall health and productivity among nurse informaticists. Studies indicate that remote workers who maintained structured routines and prioritized self-care reported higher job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and enhanced work-life balance. Additionally, in the literature, maintaining social connections has been proven to mitigate feelings of isolation.

Organizations can empower clinical transformation at their sites by promoting a healthy work environment, acknowledging the health challenges faced by overnight remote-working nurse informaticists, and supporting them by encouraging a healthy work-life balance through employer-provided education on stress management, exercise, nutrition, and mental health. Employer-provided support services will help nurse informaticists manage stress and maintain well-being. These resources can be provided as annual mandatory education modules. Nurse leaders should use their position and influence to invest in these supports. By prioritizing these additional supports, employers can prevent burnout and ensure nurse informaticists remain engaged and motivated.