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

Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.