Exploring the coping mechanisms of Nurse Educators towards Work-Life Balance

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background</bold> Nurse Educators face significant challenges in balancing demanding work commitments with their personal lives, which can lead to stress and burnout. Understanding their coping mechanisms is crucial for promoting work-life balance, enhancing job satisfaction, and ensuring sustainable workforce retention. <bold>Methods</bold> A qualitative, exploratory design was used. The aim was to explore coping mechanisms for work-life balance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Nurse Educators. The educators were from the Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng. The data were interpreted using thematic analysis. <bold>Results</bold> Three primary themes emerged: 1) Creating Boundaries: Participants consciously separated work from personal life by not taking work home, ignoring after-hours communications, and avoiding non-urgent online meetings. 2) Opting to Miss Work: Nurse Educators used absenteeism, including planned and unplanned sick leave, as a strategy to manage exhaustion and restore balance. 3) Utilizing Support Systems: Nurse Educators sought support from structures such as Heads of Departments, colleagues, and family members for emotional and practical assistance. <bold>Conclusion</bold> Nurse Educators employed boundary-setting, strategic absenteeism, and institutional and familial support to cope with work-life balance pressures. Enhancing institutional support systems and promoting strategies to protect personal time may mitigate burnout and improve educator work-life balance.