Patients may think about doctors
when we go the hospital, but some may forget about the ones who help the
physicians. Being a nurse is undoubtedly a rewarding job, but nurses do
experience a lot of stress and anxiety at work, with pressure building when more
patients are admitted and need medical attention.
Oftentimes, nurses have to work
double shifts when the medical team is somewhat understaffed and have no
breaks, being constantly pushed to the limit and on the brink of burnout. Far
too many nurses are overworked and exhausted, and this is is sometimes
dangerous for patient care. All of this weighing on a nurse’s mind is bound to
cause avoidable stress and anxiety.
Following are a few tips on how
nurses can cope with their chaotic work schedule and find a proper balance in
their professional and personal life. Sticking to these guidelines will keep
nurses in complete control of their well-being.
1.
Get Good Sleep
A vast majority of nurses in the
United States work much longer than 8 hour shifts. They arrive early in the
morning and leave late in the evening, easily upwards of 10 hours a day and
sometimes going near 12 hours. Working such long hours places strain not just
on physical health, but also mental health. Several studies show the importance
of a good, long sleep of at least 7 hours. We suggest getting 7 to 8 hours of
uninterrupted sleep to completely recharge the batteries and wake up with a
fresh mindset. It’s easy to notice the difference this makes even just after a
week’s time.
2.
Take Breaks
If a nurse works many hours,
bouncing around from task to task without taking time to him or herself, he or
she may worry that things aren’t being completed sufficiently. This can lead to
anxiety, and fear that they could mess things up and forget small details. One
of the best ways to prevent this is to take frequent small breaks, allowing
yourself to be free from distraction. It does not need to be long. Even ten
minutes can work wonders on your mental and physical state. This could mean
listening to a familiar song, reading a magazine, or something as simple as
stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Disconnecting for even a brief
moment puts things into perspective, eases mental state, and helps to prevent
burnout.
3.
Stay Positive
With patients suffering left and
right, it can understandably be difficult to handle, and leave long-lasting
scars. One of the best ways to face fear is to constantly remind yourself that
you are doing something good to help somebody in need. Having positive thoughts
when facing such things goes a long way and gives value and importance. When
nurses realize that they are doing something worthwhile, are grateful for it,
and have positive thoughts, it is easier for stress to wash away.
Related: 10 Tips for a Successful Nursing Job Interview
Related: 10 Tips for a Successful Nursing Job Interview
4.
Communicate your Stress with a
Colleague
Another way to handle stress and
anxiety as a nurse is to talk to somebody about it. Nurses frequently
communicate with patients, asking them about their ailments and understanding
what they are going through. However, many do not do the same with their colleagues.
Nurses should try to talk to one of their coworkers about what is on his or her
mind. Medical staff is like family. They are going through the exact same
activity as you are, and spending long hours at work just as you are. They can
chime in and let you know that you are not alone in experiencing stress and
anxiety. Rather than doing it alone, nurses working together will help them
overcome the struggle.
These are just some of the ways
nurses can anxiety right in the eye and overcome it. With proper rest,
appreciation of what they do, and communication, nurses will be able to
eliminate all forms of stress plaguing their lives and give their 100% to the
patients.
How do you handle feelings of
anxiety and stress during your shift?
Related: List of nursing organizations
Related: List of nursing organizations
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