A hospital emergency room is a busy place. Patients with all types of illnesses and injuries walk through the doors on a 24/7 basis, keeping you on your toes at all times.
You chose a nursing job in the ER, because you want to help people. For the most part, you enjoy the constant hustle of your work environment, but sometimes it’s a lot. Remaining calm and collected is a must for the sake of your patients, so here are a few tips to help you cope when feeling overwhelmed.
Exude Confidence
You’re a fantastic nurse that patients are lucky to have. No matter what situation is thrown your way, you can handle it. You can’t panic and second-guess yourself when things get hectic in the ER. Believing in yourself and your nursing skills will get you through any situation, so hold your head up high and know you’ve got this.
Be Flexible
Some nursing jobs are incredibly predictable from day to day, but working in the ER isn’t one of them. If you become flustered when things don’t go according to plan, you’re going to be constantly stressed. Accept the fact that you never know what’s coming your way and learn to roll with the punches. Being able to adapt to any situation on a moment’s notice will help you stay calm.
Get to Know Your Colleagues
Being part of a healthcare team requires you to work very closely with your peers. This is a lot easier to achieve when you really know one another. If possible, try to spend some time outside of work with these people — or at least chat with them in the breakroom — to bond and get to know their personalities. Feeling comfortable with the people you work with will help ease your anxiety, because you’ll be more relaxed around them.
Eat Healthy
When working in a fast-paced environment, you need to fuel your body with the right foods. Quickly grabbing something from the vending machine might satisfy your short-term hunger, but ultimately, it will leave you feeling sluggish and hangry. It’s pretty simple — when you eat healthy, you feel good, which will better equip you to stay cool in any situation thrown your way.
Find a Healthy Way to Manage Stress
Working in an ER is tough, so you need a healthy way to rid yourself of the stress from your job. Activities like yoga, cardiovascular exercise, meditation, and taking a long hot bath are great stress relievers. Find something that works for you and incorporate it into your regular routine.
If you’re ready to find a new nursing job, Management Registry, Inc. wants to help. Contact us today to discover exclusive opportunities with top healthcare employers across the country!