[ERTraumaJunkie]

Just looking for different ideas on how to handle the stress we deal with everyday? I've always been a "stress eater" and now that I have a high stress job, this is NOT working for me. Up 50+ pounds since starting in the ER. Not looking to change jobs...I love, love, love the ER. I just need better coping mechanisms and am looking for ideas. Especially ideas on how to immediately destress after those really hard shifts...i.e., ped GSW pt shot by the man he calls "dad". You know...the ones you take home with you after the shift ends. Thanks!!

[bigsyis]

The main thing you should do in a stressful event like the GSW you referenced is to talk w/ other professionals in the ER that are familiar with the case as soon after the event as possible. Of course, this would be after the pt has been provided for. Paramedics, other nurses, rad techs, respiratory, and the MDs (and Law Enforcement) all face the same stressors. Talking with whomever is around about the person you just helped validates your feelings of frustration and anger, and you may even share insight w/each other that one of you might have been unaware of. Also, evaluating with another what might have been done better or differently during any phase of the care of the pt tends to give the situation a more business-like feel, so that you don't quite get as emotionally involved.
It is amazing and baffling what humans can do to each other, and for the darndest reasons! Worse yet, sometimes for NO reason, and usually to the most undeserving people among us, i.e. children.
Console yourself by knowing that you did the absolute best that you could for the pt from the time you assumed thier care until you have handed them off to a floor nurse, or seen them off to the morgue. Sometimes that isn't much consolation, given the severity of some situations, but it will be a truth that you can always return to, emotionally. No matter what happened to your pt before and after your responsibility for them, while they were under your care they received the best care possible.
Physically, try to get enough rest. That is of vital importance. Try not to work more than 3 12's in a row, unless it is a very rare occurrence. Take a multivit and/or a Stress Vit daily. Keep something to drink handy for those times when you want to put something in your mouth. If you all bring food to work (most ERs do), try to make it fruit, or something healthy. Always give yourself some time during the day to decompress by taking a long bath, reading a book, going for a walk, listening to music, or just sitting and enjoying nature.
I hope this helps, and good luck to you.

[CritterLover]

I know that everyone always recomends exercise; but it works, so I'm going to recomend it, too.

I work 3, 12 hr shifts in a row every weekend.

I try to work out 30-60 minutes a day, at least 3x during the week, when I am off. In the summer, this amounts to work out videos, which I really don't like, but it is too hot for me outside for anything else.

In the late fall/winter/early spring, I run, ride a bike, or do some serious work with my horse. (I ride him in the summer, too; but nothing too strenuous).

I make sure I do some weight training, too. This helps at work.

Now, on the days I work, I don't have time for all of that. (I have about an hour commute each way, and need my sleep.)

For those days, I have a (single) glass of wine when I get home, and do a short yoga (about 20 min) video.

I'm really not a big fan of yoga, but it does help me destress at the end of a shift. Even if I have had a mind-spinning night, it (combined with the wine ) will relax me enough that I can sleep a good 8 hours.

I had a pretty bad triage night on Sunday, and went straight to bed when I got home Monday morning. I guess I wasn't worried about getting good sleep since I didn't have to go back to work Monday night, and I didn't sleep well at all.

I agree that talking about particularly stressful events with your coworkers is also a good idea. It is important to debreif, esp when pediatric cases don't have a good ending.

[cowpoke_rn]

Try a FULL glass of wine....that's what I do

[ocankhe]

Excersize does help, and I like Tai chi in particular to help calm the emotions. Talking with peers is also good advice but must be doen in such a way as not to dwell upon the negatives of the situation. When all else fails I prefer Irish whiskey to wine.

[gonzo1]

motorcycle ride, I've got to move to a warmer climate so I can ride more of the year.

[Ruby Vee]

Debriefing with other staff helps. So does exercise. A glass of wine, a hot bath and a good book right before bed helps.

Writing helps, too. I journal for 20-30 minutes when I've had a day like that, and the act of writing helps me let things go. You don't even have to keep what you've written. The act of setting it on paper seems to help.

[fergus51]

I like walking with my ipod. Whenever I am obsessing about something and want to get it out of my mind for a bit (which unfortunately happens a lot), I walk and listen to the music. I don't let myself think about anything but the song. Whenever my mind starts to wander back to my obsessive topic, I make myself focus on the song again. You'd be surprised at how well it works. Added bonus: I've become an encyclopedia of song lyrics and my dog gets lots of exercise.

[nghtfltguy]

stress is a crazy thing... there are many different ways to deal with it. i used to prefer to have a long talk w/ my friend jack daniels... but i don't really drink that much anymore.. only on occasion. exercise is good, but what i like the most now is watching funny videos on youtube!! i know it sounds corny... and it probably is, but it is much better for my liver.. humor is a wonderful thing..

[48RVRN]

I love the outdoors so I take a 30-90 min bike ride or go in my kayak out on the bay. Another thing I do is take lots of pictures (I'm a photo junkie) of the area. Meditation and exercise are wonderful for stress, they relax and focus the mind. I don't like alcohol...The smell reminds me of work too much.