I’m a new nurse and I feel like I bring the stress of my work /day home with me. What ways have you found helpful to disconnect yourself from the stress of the job?
Forgive yourself. There are a 1000 things and tasks that we could have done and a1000 tasks we could have done better. However you are just ONE person who can do only so much. So forgive yourself for all these shortcomings that are not your fault. AND look at the tasks you have accomplished and congratulate yourself. Working in this field is stressful and we love to beat ourselves up over nothing. Further more do not forget that the patient has a responsibility towards him/ herself too. Let them do as much as possible. They love that.
I I always make sure I I take my two breaks off the unit to walk, listen to music and reset my brain. I am also sure to checkin with my Charge Nurse to give updates on my patients and to seek help if I need to. Allow yourself grace as well to be to be an effective nurse so you don't feel guilty at the end of your shift!!
Clock out and leave it.
One ofnthe easiest and main ways I have learned to disconnect is remembering those very people that depend on me for care now that their bodies have broken day for one reason or another. Too many studies have proven that stress is a large contributor to disease. If you do not take care of yourself first, someone else will have to. And also, just remember what it was like before you became a nurse. You did things that made you happy,continue to do that and let go. It will be there when you return to work!
To disconnect from the stress of the job, I find music and getting my daily tasks done relaxing. I was able to wear headphones (or on a speaker if needed) for an hour and kinda lose myself in great music, getting my steps in as I dance my way around, and getting my routine stuff ready for work (or play) the next day. As a NEW nurse, I learned that there are many things throughout the day that are going to test and stress me. And it helped when at least the beginning of my day went smoothly. If I got to work without being in a rush, I was more receptive and ready for rounds, report, and whatever the shift was going to bring. As a seasoned nurse today, I still apply the same practice of getting my things ready for the next day, and enjoying my music for at least an hour while I dance/step my way through my tasks. It pretty much always helps, 10 out of 10 highly recommend. Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing!
Drink some water. Talk a short walk. Rest and do breathing exercises with relaxing music. A 15 minute nap may help too. Then do a hobby or read.
When I walk out the building I am done! Even if I need to vent it is with another nurse, so understanding is there and no sharing of personal information of course. I may go over process in my head as I drive if there was an issue. I give myself time in driveway before I enter my home to release and I never take yesterday into the next day. Each day is a clean slate and if I can not I know it is a true issue so then I look for means to address. If resolve does not come within my three shifts I am looking for an answer to. EST resolve even if it is a removal plan. Sadly, some places are too toxic to stay in.
I am not sure how new you are but I can say after 20 plus years and being a traveler I remember my first years more than my current that is few to growth. As new nurses we hold onto everything to build from that experience. As you grow in the field you will manage your shifts differently. Welcome! Nursing IS rewarding stick with it!
