Shannon Kenrick-Rochon - Nurse Practitioner
“It’s all about the context.”
Shannon Kenrick-Rochon practices nursing and performs research in process improvement in healthcare systems. Her experience in various clinical contexts made her a beacon of wisdom on burnout. Throughout our conversation, it was obvious that she is deeply passionate about the issue, particularly when it comes to its impact on women.
According to Shannon, women between the ages of 45 and 55 face a heightened risk of burnout. This demographic juggles the demands of parenthood, caring for ageing parents, and navigating the peak of their careers. Shannon sheds light on the acute burnout experienced by these women, emphasising that their dissatisfaction with work-life balance exacerbates the issue.
"The unspoken burden of being a mother and a professional is overwhelming," Shannon remarks. She highlights the societal expectations that women in this demographic face – the pressure to work as if they don't have kids and to mother as if they don't work. Even when attempting to set boundaries, the system often defaults to reaching out to mothers first in the case of a sick child or assigning party planning responsibilities.
Shannon delves into the impact of social context, where the messaging on social media creates an unrealistic expectation that women can effortlessly manage everything. Attempting to fulfil these unrealistic expectations often leads to burnout and a pervasive sense of failure. "Recovery is a self-defined place," advises Shannon, drawing from her experiences in helping many women restore balance to their health. She urges women to redefine success, shedding the superwoman perspective and recognising that solutions extend beyond occupational changes, often requiring a shift in the overall environment.
In strong opposition to occupational strategies that overlook contextual factors, Shannon insists, "It's all about context." She uses the example of the COVID-19 pandemic to illustrate how the fear of bringing the virus home impacted everyone in the nursing industry. However, those with sick family members or young children experienced even greater challenges. Shannon stresses the need for workplaces to become more flexible, acknowledging the unique contexts of each employee. She asserts that one's capacity is shaped by the way they live their life, emphasising the necessity for flexibility and adaptation.
Furthermore, Shannon advocates for a departure from the notion that suffering is inherent to success. Contrary to the outdated belief that financial incentives drive productivity, she contends that this model is unsustainable for everyone. In a world where context matters, Shannon Kenrick-Rochon stands as a fervent advocate for creating workplaces that recognise and accommodate the diverse realities of individuals, fostering a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
Book recommendation: “The Gap and The Gain” by D. Sullivan & Dr. B. Hardy
Shannon Kenrick-Rochon is the founder of SKR health and practices in Northern Ontario, Canada.
“The unspoken burden of being a mother and a professional is overwhelming.”