Avoid career burn-out and stress-induced health disorders by striking a work-life balance and taking care of yourself, both on- and off-shift.
Stress is inevitable, particularly for nurses and what remains in your control is how you react to and manage it. I’m here to help your staff make positive inner shifts. Visit my website for more information www.elizabethscala.com
Thanks for the great tips and reminder to stop and pay attention! I find that I don’t get enough sleep (working nights) and that affects many issues and areas of my life. I do my best but sometimes being overly stressed after coming home keeps me awake no matter how tired. I still am working on this. I do write down my thoughts and experiences from that night/day which is helpful. I know my limits which ARE different from others. Everyone is so different as you say. I use thought management which does help make a not so easy shift much more manageable. There are certain nurses who are easier to get along and work with which makes all the difference in a shift. Being able to work well with a certain group of staff is a joy! We make a point that each of us take a ten minute walk away from the unit to get away from the hecticness and get a breather. It does wonders!
Marti,
So glad that you can speak to the power of these suggestions. Some may work for you, while others may not. We do what resonates with us (and what will fit into our lifestyle and schedule). Thanks for sharing and for reading. Enjoy the day, Elizabeth