Burnout-Proof Your Path: A Guide for CNS Candidates
Author: CNS Supervisor Meg Bowman MS CNS LDN CHES
When we don’t prioritize burnout prevention, the consequences can be severe. Trust, here, and do what I say, not what I did :)
When I graduated from school I was beyond thrilled to finally begin my nutrition career. Fueled by excitement, determination, and an overabundance of energy, I dove headfirst into building my private practice. During the week, I juggled dropping off and picking up my son from school with client sessions, but also offered client sessions at night and on Saturdays to account for the “time lost” during the day. Most weeknights I stayed up until 12 or 1 a.m. working on my business creating a website, developing marketing materials, and researching potential referral partners. Within just a couple of months, I was completely burned out and, due to the sleep deprivation and resulting immune system effects, gave myself shingles at age 37. That experience taught me a hard but valuable lesson: success isn’t sustainable if it comes at the cost of your health and well-being.
Unrealistic Expectations: A Recipe for Burnout
One of the quickest ways to experience burnout is by setting unattainable expectations for yourself. Like me, many CNS candidates feel pressured to master every subject, ace every case, and provide flawless care to clients right from the start. But here’s the truth: this process takes time.
You’re not expected to know everything at once, nor should you. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on building a solid foundation and allowing room for growth. It’s okay to have questions, to look things up, and to admit that you’re still learning. With time and practice, the knowledge and skills you’re developing will become second nature.
Mastering Your Approach: Getting It in Your Bones
Another key element of preventing burnout is understanding that your approach to clinical practice won’t solidify overnight. Early in your career, it’s natural to rely heavily on reference materials and to spend extra time reviewing client cases. However, the goal is to gradually internalize your approach so that it becomes instinctive.
Think of this as “getting it in your bones.” Rather than memorizing protocols or feeling the need to follow a rigid checklist, you’ll develop the ability to assess, interpret, and respond to client needs with confidence. This transition takes time and patience, but it’s worth the investment. By building a deep understanding of your practice, you’ll reduce the cognitive load and stress that often contribute to burnout.
Pro tip: See a condition-specific online training you’d like to take, or resource you’d like to study? Create a protocol for that condition, and then hyperlink the recording or resource. That way, the next time you see a client with that condition, you’ll have resources at your fingertips, but you don’t need to worry about digesting that material today.
Creating Your Clinical Signature
One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is by developing your own clinical signature. This means identifying the unique combination of skills, techniques, and philosophies that define how you work with clients. Your clinical signature isn’t about mimicking how others practice; it’s about finding the approach that feels authentic and sustainable for you.
Supervision plays a critical role in this process. Through supervision, you gain valuable feedback, guidance, and support as you navigate challenging cases and refine your methods. A good supervisor can help you:
Copy/edit/delete from their approach only what makes sense for you.
Identify your strengths and areas for growth.
Explore different techniques and approaches.
Develop confidence in your decision-making.
By working closely with a supervisor, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment, reflect, and evolve as a practitioner. This process helps you create a practice that aligns with your values and preferences, ultimately reducing the risk of burnout.
Personalizing Your Practice
The skills you learn in school provide a strong foundation, but they’re just the starting point. To thrive as a CNS, you need to personalize your approach (ha ha, just like you do with clients!) and adapt it to your unique style and circumstances. This means moving beyond the rigid frameworks of your education and tailoring your practice to suit your needs and those of your clients.
For example, many new practitioners find themselves spending hours on documentation and case preparation outside of client sessions. While this may be necessary in the beginning, it’s not sustainable in the long term. The goal is to streamline your workflow so that you can chart effectively during sessions and minimize out-of-session responsibilities.
This shift doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s an important part of building a sustainable practice. By gradually refining your methods and embracing tools that support efficiency, you’ll free up time and energy to focus on what matters most: helping your clients achieve their goals.
Burnout Prevention: A Holistic Approach
Burnout prevention isn’t just about managing your workload; it’s about taking care of yourself as a whole person. Here are some strategies to support your well-being:
Set Realistic Goals: Break your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Unless you already have a ton of hours, you will not finish your CNS in 4 months.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that learning and growth take time. We so often forget what it feels like to gain a new skill - it takes effort and self-compassion.
Seek Support: Connect with peers, mentors, and supervisors who can offer encouragement and guidance. Knowing you aren’t the only one on this road matters.
Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries around your work hours and make time for activities that bring you joy. You don’t need to offer potential clients 120 hours/week that they can book with you. Offer a limited amount of availability that works for you.
Invest in Your Development: Participate in supervision and continuing education opportunities to build confidence and skills.
Building a Sustainable Future
Becoming a CNS is a rewarding journey, but it’s important to approach it with mindfulness and intention. By setting realistic expectations, personalizing your practice, and seeking support through supervision, you can create a career that is both fulfilling and sustainable.
Remember, the goal isn’t to achieve perfection or to emulate someone else’s practice. It’s about discovering what works for you and creating a path that allows you to thrive. With time, patience, and the right support, you’ll not only avoid burnout but also build a practice that brings you joy and purpose.