Every day, nurses give their all to care for patients, bringing healing and hope to countless lives. But, nurses, in the hustle and bustle of hospital life, it’s easy to forget about the most important person: you.
To honor the incredible nurses who play an integral role in human healing and recovery in our hospitals, we turn our attention to these important human beings themselves, with self-care tips to calm their minds and soothe their senses.
Our friends at Personify Health, which aims to provide a connected consumer experience with a human touch, offer the following guidance from its stellar health and wellness coaches.
What can nurses do to reduce stress on the job?
Start with your “why” – Gwen Currid, RN, MS, NBC-HWC, NCTTP, says, “Start your day with a prayer or a mindful practice based on your “why,” your values, and your strengths. For example, “Today I get to help people! I pray for the opportunity to listen, be present, and show love.”
Take deep breaths – Practice deep breaths before and after your shift, before and after seeing patients, and as a ritual at the end of a shift. It’s a way to leave work at work. Change your work clothes when you get home and be intentional to stop work thoughts at a certain location on your commute home.
Self-care – As a reminder of being in the role of caregiver and taking care of yourself first before taking care of others, take a walk or get fresh air on breaks. Be mindful of what the nursing role involves physically. Advocate for correct work balance, not taking on a higher workload than is safe.
Advocate – You advocate for your patients. What is one way you can advocate for YOU to reduce stress?
Seek help if needed – whether emotionally or physically. It’s hard to work when you’re not 100% yourself.
Reignite fun – What hobby have you thought about starting? What ways can you incorporate fun and mindfulness outside of work?
Positive mindset – Focus on the positive things that have brought you joy or made you smile today or this week.
Nursing is demanding and highly rewarding. We applaud the nurses in hospitals who play a vital role in patient care. Thank you for your service and compassion.
Complete the stress cycle – A closing thought from a Personify Health coach: “I have referenced this Brené Brown podcast to lots of people. Once the stress is gone, your body still needs to complete the stress cycle. It is important to give yourself that grace period.” This podcast features an interview with the authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. We hope you find it helpful: Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle – Brené Brown (brenebrown.com)
