Being a nurse is your dream come true, but that doesn’t mean the stress of the job doesn’t get to you. No matter what type of facility you work in, staying calm, collected, and focused in a fast-paced environment is no easy task.
Combating stress immediately is the key to maintaining a healthy mental state and continued job satisfaction. If you’ve been having trouble managing stress on the job, here’s some advice to help get these feelings under control.
4 Tips to Help Nurses Relieve Stress at Work
Take Breaks
You’re a busy nurse with a full workload, but that doesn’t mean you can go full force all day. No matter how hectic your day is, stopping to take breaks is essential to your personal well-being. Even if you can only get away for a few minutes, stepping outside for some fresh air, fueling up with a healthy lunch, or simply enjoying a bit of peaceful solitude can significantly lower your stress levels.
Practice Deep Breathing Techniques
Ideally, you’d be able to step away from work as soon as you feel your stress levels rising, but it doesn’t typically work like that. If the pressure begins to mount, but you’re busy caring for patients, excuse yourself for a minute and find a quiet spot to take a few deep breaths. This is a quick and easy way to enjoy immediate stress relief when you don’t have time for anything else.
Stay Organized
Being surrounded by chaos can cause stress to mount. You can’t do anything about your hectic work environment, but you can control your work area. Keeping it neat and tidy will help you avoid stress caused by not being able to find a patient file or other important documents. Maintaining order will fill you with a sense of zen because it feels great to be free of clutter.
Realize It’s Okay to Say ‘No’
You’re a nurse who truly cares, so when you’re asked to take on extra work, you feel obligated to say yes. The thing is, there’s a fine line between being a team player and putting too much pressure on yourself. If you’re asked to take on an extra patient or another shift, go for it if you feel you can easily handle it, but if not, don’t be afraid to say no. Allowing yourself to become stressed to the max will negatively impact both your health and your patients’, so setting boundaries is a must.
Searching for a new nursing opportunity that fits your lifestyle? Management Registry, Inc. wants to help you take the next step in your healthcare career. Contact us today to discuss your future!