I’m not going to sugar coat this… I’ve pulled over one mile away from the hospital and screamed, sobbed, and just let it all out after a difficult shift. 1. Never ever hold it in once you are away from that patient/family 2. Embrace your hurt your frustration your anger… embrace it, it’s what makes us good humans 3. Find what works for you (hot bath, gym, read, meditate, music) find what works and use it!
Massive quantities of ETOH of your choice. Honestly this might be poor advice.
Medical cannabis, but don't tell anybody. Even in states where it's legal, nursing is considered a safety sensitive position so it's not allowed, although I can go home and down three Vicodin or get so drunk I can't walk and nobody will say anything as long as I'm sober when I go to work.....
1. Call my mom who is a retired ED RN
2. Cry, because I have 2 more shifts to go
3. Bake something
4. Workout
5. Hike
6. Yoga
7. Meditation
8. PRN meds like Ativan
9. Journaling
10. ETOH
11. Retail therapy
12. Dream about going back to school
13. Sing and dance party for one
If you have insurance that covers massage, you might want to find a good massage therapist or certified reflexologist. Might be more difficult nowadays to find an independent (self-employed) therapist that takes insurance, but many chiropractor's offices have massage therapists and will charge insurance. You'll just have to check your insurance company to see if they cover massage.
I'm a nurse and massage therapist/certified reflexologist- just fyi. I've had many nurse clients and many vent at the beginning of the session then finally can let themselves go for the rest of the session. I think that they appreciate that I can totally get what they go through as a nurse, but therapists who aren't nurses report the same thing- nurses getting to vent in a safe space with no judgment, and finally relax - can really help. Some people like essential oils like lavendar or chamomille or chamomille tea to help relax, as well. Disclaimer: I AM NOT SOLICITING BUSINESS, I am just saying what I know helps me and other nurses.
Personally, foot reflexology is most relaxing for me. Best I ever felt was while doing the reflexology certification course because we had to practice on each other, hence I had at least weekly treatments, if not more. Deep breathing is also a great way to calm your body. Gardening is also great for me- maybe you have a hobby that can help calm your spirit. I always considered meditation to be like sitting still, lotus position, etc, but found that when I water the garden it is a kind of meditation for me. I know that some people find yoga to be relaxing as well.
I hope you fnd what is best for you. Just try different things and see what works for you. Good luck!
I am a Certified Health Coach and RN. I specialize in stress management for first responders, aka, any healthcare worker. Reach back to me if interested in finding out more. This is how I managed my stress and now helping others do the same.
EAT AND SLEEP!!
Nothing is for everyone, but these are just some things that (mostly) work for me. Hope they help!
A thorough, hot shower is first. I’m a sucker for high end beauty and bath products, but the amount of time I have dictates how long/luxurious it will be. I find the shower is a solid place to sing at the top of my lungs, scream, cry, or whatever I need to do and it is the perfect place for me to practice physical grounding (which helps a naturally anxious person like me to be present in the moment).The physical sensation and metaphorical visual of everything washing off and circling a drain helps actually helps me leave some of the (physical and metaphorical 😂) grossness from the day right there.
I snuggle or take a long trail walk with my 110lb “lap dog” and travel buddy. If it’s something I actually need to process, I might journal. If I want distraction, I’ll find a good book, podcast, or even a show to get lost in.
On my days off, if I’m home or near a beach on assignment you’ll find us there (regardless of weather.) Either there or in the woods somewhere. Anywhere that reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things. I also find a ton of opportunities to practice mindfulness and presence while gardening. That’s a fave. I don’t mean like, swearing to death moving the lawn, but I’ve developed a strong affinity for succulents and cacti (I’ve grown them for about 15 years now…) so I love to take care of them, propagate new plants, repot them, and redecorate my physical space.
If I’m home, I might hook up with some nurse friends to vent and overeat 😁 However, working as a traveler throughout the pandemic made finding how to decompress individually, essential. Massages and live music are two of my most favorite things and they just weren’t available then. Now that they are- a good pedicure, massage, or show can sometimes be all I need for an emotional reset!
Although it may sound odd, I’ll redecorate or clean to relax, too. When things are beyond my control, it’s proven super helpful for me to be creative and take care of the few things I actually have control over. My physical space is one of the few things. Personally, I’m unable to chill in a space that just reminds me of what needs done.
After a challenging day, I go over the things I did well and express gratitude for the opportunity. For those things that didn’t go so great, I show myself kindness, and develop a plan on how to do things better next time.
I also do not wait until the end of my shift to rebalance. For instance, sometimes during my lunch break, I go out, enjoy the fresh air while listening to some feel-good tunes, or call/text my favorite person. Even if I only have less than five minutes, there are mindful exercises I can also do that’s effectively de-stressing.
After taking a hot bath and eat I always do extensive research on the Facility were I am located and research how to be a better asset to my Facility. Write down questions and read. I love to learn
Workout. You have to take care of yourself.
Straight to the gym. Gotta take care of yourself.
Glass(es) of wine & Netflix
What I usual do after stressful work time is take a shower eat and listen to some soft music with the family
