Despite working in a highly stressful nursing unit and accepting additional shifts, a new nurse has a strategy to prevent burnout. Which strategy will be best for the nurse to use?

Choice A reason: Delegating complex tasks to assistive personnel is inappropriate, as it may compromise patient safety and violate scope of practice. While delegation reduces workload, it does not address emotional or physiological stress directly. This strategy is less effective for burnout prevention compared to relaxation techniques. Choice B reason: Journaling for 10 minutes daily can help process emotions but is less immediate in reducing physiological stress. Burnout involves physical and emotional exhaustion, and while reflective writing is beneficial, it is not as effective as progressive muscle relaxation in directly alleviating stress-related tension. Choice C reason: Progressive muscle relaxation reduces burnout by systematically tensing and relaxing muscles, lowering cortisol and promoting calmness. This evidence-based technique directly addresses the physical and emotional toll of a stressful nursing unit, making it the best strategy for a new nurse to prevent burnout effectively. Choice D reason: Strengthening friendships outside work supports social well-being but does not directly alleviate acute stress or physical exhaustion from extra shifts. While valuable, it is less immediate than progressive muscle relaxation in addressing burnout’s physiological effects, making it a less optimal strategy.