Wow. What a wonderful whirlwind of events. A keynote speech for National Nurse’s Week. The best virtual conference I have ever hosted for nurses to date. My parents in town for Mother’s Day weekend. This is one blessed nurse.
And tired nurse.
That’s why I am laying low. Today and this week ahead.
Have you ever laid low as a nurse professional? Thinking back to when I worked inpatient psychiatry there were days when I laid low all of the time. If I came into work and didn’t feel like being there. When I disagreed with the unit politics. The days I just wanted to be with and care for my patients without all of the other ‘stuff’ getting in the way of my love of nursing practice.
The Art of Nursing program has now wrapped up and we are in contact hour certificate mode. Over 225 nurses participated in the program, not counting our speakers and evening synthesizers. We had two nursing organizations gift the program to their nursing staff. And at this point I am enjoying receiving all of the gratitude, feedback and heartfelt sharing that goes along with an event of this magnitude.
So I have decided to practice what I preach: enjoy the success and allow for celebration.
Why is it a good idea for any and every nurse to ‘lay low’ once in a blue moon? It all comes back to energy. Think about it- as a nurse you are probably giving your energy out a lot of the time. To your patients, their families, your staff, interprofessional colleagues and your own families and friends. You do, help, give and share.
Caring for others is an exertion of energy out of yourself to some being that is external. Even if it is not in action. Even if it is in thought, kind word, or prayer.
So laying low as a nurse is necessary from time-to-time.
It is that time that allows you to recharge. To regroup and fill yourself up. There is nothing wrong with laying low and being ‘on the down-lo’, as the cool cats call it.
What can you do to lay low?Â
Read a book. (Yes, I never suggest this but…) Watch TV. Sit outside. Take a bath. A nap. Listen to music. Go for a walk. Do things at a slower, more leisurely pace.
Enjoy the scenery as you participate in the joy of life. Instead of allowing it to rush and pass by you, engage in the minutia of the day by just laying low.
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and enjoy your health today.
First of all. congratulations! What a wonderful turnout of nursing professionals. You should be proud of yourself and give yourself a well-deserved BIG pat on the back! You have done a great job in putting together a fantastic series and group of knowledgeable speakers that have resonated throughout the nursing community. It is an honor for me to have been a part of “The Art of Nursing” and to have known you personally since you started doing the Rejuvenation Collaboration series. Now to the comment at hand. As nurses, allowing ourselves to re-charge and re-group isn’t always easy to do. We are always giving and doing for others. Worrying about our patients, families and friends. It’s who we are. It’s a difficult thing to do but in order to maintain any kind of sanity and keep stress at bay, we must take some time to ourselves even if it does mean watching some TV. I enjoy just going outside and smelling my jasmine, gardenias and lilies that are now in bloom. I listen to the birds and watch the hummingbirds argue over the sweet hummingbird feeder. Taking a short walk and soaking up the fresh air can be invigorating and give me a new and refreshed sense of me. That for me is the joy of life!
Beautiful Marti. And thank you for the kind words and feedback. Going outside, smelling your garden and enjoying the birds is something that absolutely refreshes the spirit. Great for you. Have a wonderful day, ELizabeth