Managing stress during shift

Nurses Stress 101

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I need some clues from ya'll about how to manage stress during the shift! I work a med/surg floor, for us this is ICU stepdown. Usually 5-6 high acuity pts. Some shifts run okay, but many times the workload is so high, I truly feel like I am going crazy!! Lose focus, can't think and feel like I need to scream and throw things. I have literally found myself at 3 am banging on the counters in the med room to try to destress and gain focus. Do any of you have good tips on how to manage stress during the shift? I try working out afterwards, motorcycle riding, etc., but after a 15 hour shift, with another shift the next night, I just try to get some sleep and that doesnt work either. Looking for help here folks - my next step is either another unit - or out the door. Thanks in advance for the replies.

hi! its my first time replying here after so long..anyway, i also work at med/surg nurse floor,also a step down from the ICU/CCU units...So, I know how you feel when you're just so stressed that you would just want to scream and "bang" your head on the wall...I had those moments...but what made me grounded and stay "stable" is through scheduling myself every after payday to the spa.. because i feel like, i worked too hard, so i must reward myself with the luxury and because, it helped me feel relaxed..so after a few hours of "me" time, i undulge myself with things that make me happy.. like going to Church,playing with my niece, window shopping,buying a new book,dining out,or watching movies with friends...its those simple things that makes me forget about work,and focus on myself, my family,friends,and the world around me...but, of course, i do all these on the my first rest days after payday..hehe... i hope this will help you..

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Thankgoodness the replies have gone away of medication...It was very disheartening to think that Nurses are promoting pill taking...prescriptions included...we need to do more on the lines of de=stressing techniques...incredible books and cd's on the power of now...maybe look at revamping your organizational skills...and even looking at a different shift on a different unit...nights are meant for some and not at all for others..

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Specializes in Cardiac Tele, Step-down, Med/Surg.
Don't take extra shifts or overtime on a regular basis. Staffing the hospital is NOT your problem. Some places need to hire more staff and stop all the overtime but they won't do it until they have to. Staffing people know where each nurse's weak point is and will use it to make you feel guilty enough to give up your needed time off and come to work. Having good boundaries is an essential skill in order to keep your sanity and to stay in nursing long term! There are plenty of good books out there on that topic.

I am in total agreement with this! Staffing is not our job and we should not be made to feel guilty about not working when we are over-stressed. I am currently on a leave of absence right now because I have a bulging disc at C3-C4. Just came out of the blue while I was at work before I had even touched a patient! I am told by my docs that I am severely stressed and need to de-stress myself. I have been a nurse for 13 years in various specialties from bedside to insurance companies and I have yet to find an area that I absolutely love. I told myself if I go back & get my MSN in education, that it will allow me to do something greater than just bedside work. So as a result of taking 2 classes at a time and working full-time, I am highly stressed and anxious. For the younger nurses out there, don't work so much to earn extra money...it's not work sacrificing your body in the long run. I have a connective tissue disorder and shouldn't be this stressed so now I'm looking for something per diem...or better yet, I may just QUIT my job!

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I am so glad you posted this! I am a new nurse and am sometimes so overwhelmed I panic, which of course doesn't help because then I can't think!

I will try all the advice here before going the drug route. I think exercise can make a difference along with not adding extra shifts, and taking a few minutes to calm down even in the middle of chaos will help!

Thanks!

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Following my little "breakout" shift, I have done some things to help out. When things get bad during a shift, I go into a stairwell and sit for a few minutes, close my eyes and focus on deep breathing and becoming "mindful" of myself. Focusing on deep breathing and the individual feelings of feet on the ground, elbows on knees, hands against cheek, whatever......it helps me come back to the moment and not be so spazzed out about what I have to get done. Then I tell my self the shift is only 12 hours long and I can do anything for 12 hours, even if it takes 16 to get off the unit. I also focus on taking better care of myself when Im off, working out, getting a massage every couple of weeks. I also don't take extra shifts unless I really want to and I don't work shifts back to back (no two nights in a row) so I do what I have to do and then I get gone!!!!

I debated the medication route for depression and anxiety but have stayed away from them believing that they will just mask the problem, not cure it. Stuffs working better now, I have not quit yet anyhow, but if that needs done in the future, I am prepared to do it. I do not want to sacrifice my health to the business.

Thanks to all of you who have replied, it has truely helped me manage this a little better......It aint great but Im still drivin on.......

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Glad to hear you are doing so much better! It encourages me to just hang in there!

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I wonder........what other jobs have this problem? How are they rated? I would think being in police in a big city could be stressful, as could EMT's. But hospital nursing has got to be way up there. They ought to take our BP every few hours. I know my pulse goes over 100 a lot while at work.

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