How do you handle the everyday stress of a nurse?

Nurses Stress 101

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As a soon to be RN I have thought a lot about how to handle the everyday stress of being a nurse. I know that each and every person has a different way of handling things and I am looking for some new ways to manage stress. so my question what do you do to manage your stress?

Always, ALWAYS have something enjoyable to look forward to doing outside of work.

Doesn't matter if it's working out in a gym, cooking or baking, going for a bike ride, crochet/knitting, reading, grooming the dog.....as long as it isn't something that ALSO stresses you out! Anything that you enjoy that you can look forward to getting to once you run screaming into the parking lot for your car.... :D

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

Do not pick up OT, walk the dog, yoga, gym q d., eat healthy, don't think about work when not there, do not pick up OT

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I don't handle it very well. I really need to find a way, though! I really wish I could go part time. But not anytime soon! I really think 2 twelve hour shifts would be more manageable than 3. I really feel like all I do is work and sleep. And not enough sleep being on night shift.

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Specializes in Gerontology.

I drink alot

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Specializes in LTC, office.

I have been doing much better at leaving work at work; it isn't always easy but it makes all the difference. I also exercise, eat well and have a wonderful husband and friends. Oh, and a beer isn't bad either.

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Specializes in IMC.

I am a crossword puzzle junkie and I relax by watching old movies on Turner Classic Movies(that is my 2nd favorite channel) and HGTV. I do not watch any medical shows on TV! NONE!

I try not to bring my work home with me. When I am home I am home and just mom.

As others have stated, do not give up your hobbies or yourself for your job!

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I find ways to laugh while I'm at work. Humor helps me through my day. When I'm not at work, I run (preferable outside), do yoga, and spend quality time with loved ones. Sometimes when I have a hard shift, I treat myself to some frozen yogurt, take a bath in my jacuzzi tub, or talk with a fellow nurse (my mom or friends). I try to make the most of my days off.

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Do not pick up OT, walk the dog, yoga, gym q d., eat healthy, don't think about work when not there, do not pick up OT

Man, I had to read this like three times before I got what you were saying, lol....I was reading it as DON'T walk the dog, do yoga, gym, etc.... :)

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Cigarettes and Zoloft....

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I go to the source of the stress and break its legs.

Just kidding, of course.;) I'm about as non-violent as they come. However, I do a lot of screaming in the car with the windows rolled up on the 25-mile drive home---some of it quite colorful. I say things I would never say to the person(s) I'm angry with, including casting aspersions on the legitimacy of their birth and calling into question their female parent's original profession. I don't handle interpersonal stressors well, but at least this way I can get it out of my system without losing it in front of people.

The other trick I use is to go find something physical to do for a while to get rid of the aggression and frustration. This is a technique my psychiatrist taught me a few months ago, and I have to admit it works like a charm. The idea is to go ahead and be PO'd for a set amount of time, do something really physical like scrubbing a bathtub or mowing the lawn while you're cussing and discussing the issue with yourself, and then put it away until the next day. You have to tell yourself to stop, and promise yourself you'll take up the issue again tomorrow. Well, of course, when tomorrow arrives, you're not upset anymore because you forced yourself to stop obsessing, and you literally worked it out. :yes:

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Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a habit. I like reading, all sorts of crafty stuff, and caffeine. I like to take time to make my coffee and/or tea, one cup at a time. My husband encourages me to vent, and then we move on. I don't think nursing would be bearable without him. When it gets really bad, I go shopping for shoes.

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Specializes in ICU.

In addition to my wine and Xanax I used to kickbox. That was a great stress reliever. I'm going to start again.

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