Self Care for Nursing
I could genuinely write a book on this. I wont, for the sake of my time and yours but seriously this is a topic I am genuinely very passionate about. I’m going to be very blunt with this next statement. Nurses are without a doubt some of the unhealthiest individuals I know. I never understood how people working in health care could be so unhealthy.. no matter if it was emotional, physical or any time of ill mannered health nurses always just seemed so unhealthy… and it’s because we are forced to that point. So much responsibility, pressure, and tasks are pushed onto nurses especially today in a critical nursing shortage. Nurses are stretched as thin as they can possibly go and then some. I feel these exhaustion and burnt out feeling as well but I have also changed a lot of my routine and life to adapt to nursing and create a lifestyle that puts ME first. I know it sounds selfish but it is genuinely impossible to expect yourself to preform your best while sleep deprived, 1 meal in the past 24 hours and running off a Monster kick. Nursing is a scary job. Don’t risk your license due to your health. In this post i’m going to discuss and just run through my personal self care mannerisms that have helped me survive being a nurse in today healthcare climate. Disclaimer: I am still a tired, exhausted and probably not the healthiest nurse… I didn’t say I was a perfect, just trying my best!
Sleep. I know it’s impossible. I know a lot of people have families and pets and a whole slew of responsibilities once they step out of the hospital but seriously, again a major theme of this blog post is selfishness, you need to sleep. 6-8 hours a day is what is needed. I personally take melatonin on the days I work so I ensure I can get good sleep those 3 sleeps. I have a entire nighttime routine and even though I work night shift I still have to go create a ritual that allows my body to feel as if it’s time for bed. Try to stay off of your phone before bed and sleep in a uninterrupted quiet space. We have to sleep, seriously I know the memes are funny but god people our under eye bags are embarrassing!
Mental Health. I have never been a nurse without covid. I entered nursing during a dark time and all I know is covid, short staffing, and exhaustion. I’m sure there was a time when nursing didn’t take such a huge toll on our mental health but right now is not that time. If you are struggling you need to reach out and find a therapist, councilor, or psychiatrist to help. I personally go to therapy twice a month and am also prescribed Adderall through my Psychiatrist! There is absolutely nothing wrong with facing mental health straight on. As I have mentioned before this is not a normal job. We deal with things a lot of people could never imagine seeing or doing. Nursing is mentally draining sometimes, we need to be actively leaning on each other and professionals to make sure we are okay.
Things outside of therapy. Some small things I do daily for my mental health includes: 20 min outdoor walks (can be inside if you live in a cold area) but sunlight, fresh air and the sound of nothing but your own thoughts for 20 min is liberating. I take 5 huge deep breathes while I’m outside to call my nervous system. I stretch when I wake up for like 2 min. I listen to podcasts and watch youtube videos that put me into a good mindset. I read for 10-15 min a day before work. I take long hot showers after work. I call my family and friends once a week. I leave one entire day of the week (can be a half day) and I call it my sloth day. It’s usually the day after my 3 in a row but I genuinely do NOTHING. I don’t put anything in my planner. Some days sleep, some I watch netflix, cook, read, take 3 hours baths, drive around and listen to music, go for walks or even just lay on the couch and play on my phone. I leave a entire day to do as much or as little as I want with no real plan in place. This gives me some mental cushion to recharge!
Your identity is not a nurse. You are a person with a life and you deserve that, remember that. I feel like as nurses everyone can get so obsessed (exp. new grades) with making their identity nursing. That’s your life 3 shifts a week, that is not your entire personality. You need to have a life with passions, hobbies, friends and loved ones outside of work. I personally am a introvert (nursing made me one lol) and I could easily sit at home alone every night on my 4 nights off and watch netflix and speak to no one for 4 days straight. But, I have found that for me personally I set a goal to do one social thing weekly. Weather it’s a morning brunch and nail date with my girl friends or going out at night or a wine and movie night or shopping or a coffee date or whatever it is you love, you NEEED to do it. You are not just a nurse.
Physical health. Okay this is such a flexible term and is different for everyone so I’m not going to say much we all know what to do. Exercise a few times a week, eat more than 1 meal a day and try to be mindful of how much caffeine you consume. Watch alcohol usage too… it’s very easy to end up relying on a substance after a long shift. I personally don’t like snacking. I eat 2-3 big meals a day usually avocado toast with eggs, oatmeal and yogurt, sandwiches with veggies and hummus and then pasta, chicken, and salmon rice bowls for dinner! And I eat out 1-2x a week as well:) Balance is all I’m going to say regarding physical health. Just be aware and mindful!
Personal love. I love having a routine. Once a week I take a long long bubble bath (usually after my third shift) and do a hydrating face mask, whiten my teeth, under eye creams, all the serums, the jade rollling, exfoliating, moisturizing a gal can do. I love having a relaxing bath routine where I leave that time feeling like a new clean person. That’s key to nursing.. sometimes you feel permanent “icky”. I invest in my skincare products, I love using hair oils and scalp massaging products while I shampoo. I take my vitamins and drink a big glass of wine and call that hot girl balance. I also will read and decompress. I think is super important to love the mundane daily tasks in life. Once a month I also get a deep massage, I get a hydrating facial and I get my nails and brows done! I like investing my appearance as it makes me feel confident and at ease. I also like to get some sunshine everyday even if it’s just sitting in the sun reading for 5 min one day. It helps I swear.
Time batch and Time management. I feel like nurses sometimes are a bit more overwhelmed with day to day tasks (exp. night shift) because we have a smaller window of when we can go to appointments, make important phone calls, grocery shopping etc. I plan out my months and weeks in advance and know what days are cleaning days, grocery days, appointment days etc. Plan head and be prepared and on top of your tasks, bills, finances and side hustles. Organization is key when you are working your 12 hour shift, translate that into your reality as well!
Travel. Traveling is without a doubt my passion so I have a personal connection to it and I make time each other to go somewhere new. Tomorrow I work my 3rd shift of the week and then I leave for Colorado for a week! Took no PTO! Get outside of your comfort zone and keep learning and keep experiencing outside of nursing. Do what lights you on fire.
Okay, those are my main self care tendencies, rituals, and tips that help me feel sane and prepared for whatever those 3 12s may throw at me, and I know right now it’s usually a chaotic understaffed shift. You are more than your job, do not forget that. You are a person who deserves kindness, gentleness and love. Treat yourself like you matter, so you can then treat your patients. You first, always.
