Originally this article was going to be self-care and the nurse, but as I outline my ideas, I realized that they could break up into at home and work. Self-care at work sounds odd, especially if you don’t’ work in the health care field. But a busy night or a hectic unit leads to an unhealthy 12-hour. But when these unhealthy habits become the norm, health consequences can occur.
#1 Hydrate
Drink water. I am starting with water because drinking coffee or energy drinks is not hydrating. Have a water bottle that’s only for work, refill it throughout the shift. Find time during work, go to the designated water bottle area frequently. Make a goal on how much water you want to drink during your shift; try to finish your water bottle twice. I work the night shift and have seen a single person drink three high caffeinated energy drinks, a total of 900 mg of caffeine. Please hydrate with water, not caffeine.
#2 Eat or Snack
The constant run from room to room, the number of steps taken will deplete energy. At one point during your shift, sit down to eat a meal or snack. Ensure that something is eaten will allow your blood sugar to stay stable, give you more energy, and alleviate the brain fog of hunger.
#3 Go to the bathroom
If you have to go then go. I had plenty of shifts where I told myself after I give one more pain medication than I will go to the bathroom. Holding your urine will cause urinary tract infection, increase in kidney infection, and even burst your bladder, although rare. The habit of holding your urine for long periods will cause the bladder to atrophy and develop incontinence or retention. For the sake of comfort and health, take a few minutes and go to the bathroom.
#4 Breath
Take a moment to sit or stand, and take a deep breath. Breathing allows you to ease a little anxiety, lower your heart rate, and blood pressure. A deep breath will help center yourself again.
#5 Delegate when needed
Nursing is a team job. There is a primary nurse, a CNA, a charge nurse, and anyone else working around you. When you start drowning, don’t stress more than you have to, call someone and get help. Utilize the team members around you, as long as its within their field of focus. The extra support throughout the shift will ease stress and anxiety.
Do you have any other self-care practices at work?