Like most careers, a nursing job is filled with its fair share of stresses – ensuring that patients are happy, keeping track of treatments, handling emergencies and more. However, experienced nurses typically develop methods to handle these pressures and adapt, to ensure that they can give the best treatment possible.
"Nurses are natural helpers and caregivers," Diane Schofield, a nurse clinician and educator in Florida, told Nursezone. "But if they don't keep themselves strong and in balance, they are not able to help others."
Here are some tips from seasoned healthcare professionals about the best tactics to minimize stress and maximize effectiveness in a nursing career.
Proper rest
Few things are as sure to contribute to your stress levels as sleep deprivation. Shifts can be long and there is always a great deal to accomplish in a given day, but scrimping on sleep is not the answer. Develop a schedule that gives you the opportunity to get the sleep you need and stick to it. If you frequently travel for your job, make sure you have the things you need – alarm clock, comfortable pillow, soothing music and so forth – to help you get enough sleep.
Stay positive
A great deal of stress stems from negative thoughts. If you notice you are feeling low about your career, your personal life or your health, find ways to put yourself in a calmer, more optimistic frame of mind. This means different things for different people, so take time to assess what makes you happy. A good novel, a relaxing bath, dinner with friends – find what lifts your mood and work it into your routine.
Address your needs
Once you've identified the aspects of your job or life that are contributing to your stress, it may not be enough to simply aim for more positive thoughts. Often – especially if the stressors are work-related – it is important to rectify the negative aspects. If you are having difficulty with a particular patient or co-worker, you may find it beneficial to discuss the problem with a superior and see if there is a solution that could limit your stress.
Stay healthy
Just as a lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood, an unhealthy lifestyle is similarly likely to hinder your happiness. Make sure you are eating right and incorporating exercise into your routine to help give yourself the best chance at attaining contentment – both at work and at home.