The long shifts consist of talking. Talking to co-workers, Physicians, patients, patient’s families, pharmacists, lab technicians, Volunteers, and who ever else in the building. Nurses discuss every action and process to anyone who asks. The pros and cons of vaccinations and treatments.
For both nurses and travel nurses, the ring of alarms is constant. Below are some options to silence the alarms and debrief.
1. Get outside.
Various studies and articles indicate and prove that hiking, or being outside in general, can raise happy levels inside your body. Being outside, away from the business of our daily lives and technology, can allow people to connect with themselves and nature in a way that brings about peace and a sense of well-being.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Studies have shown that when you take care of your body, your blood pressure levels and healthier blood fat profiles increase. Try these snacks to fight those cravings and vending machines!
Olives
Mama Chia Snack Packs
String Cheese
Almonds
3. Take a Moment of Silence
Before your shift, try some soft jams while you make your coffee/tea. Give yourself a moment to wake up and enjoy your morning. Put aside all electronics and mentally prepare for your whatever your shift might bring.
4. Make a Decision.
Your day is your choice. Every day. Every time. Choose to have a good day, or a bad day. Choose to be affected or not to be.
5. Have a Hobby
Find something you can dive into! Yoga, pottery, drawing, painting, reading! Have an outlet your mind can wander into after your shift. Begin an activity that your mind can release and you are not bothered by the chaos of work.
6. Have a Hiding Place
Sometimes taking 2 minutes to yourself during your shift can regenerate your love of nursing! Find a quiet place at your workplace you can take a deep breath, drink a glass of water and start back up again, recharged!
7. Drop Your Day at the Door
Don’t obsess over a bad day. Have a rule where you can vent for allotted amount of time and then your done. You did the best you could. The shift is over and you can’t fix or change it!!
Share with us your pointers for how you decompress after your shift!
