All work no play - WASSUP WITH THAT

MelissaRN · Jun 4, 2004

how do some of our hardworking nurses and nursing students handle their stress on a regular basis? any nursing activities that will help cope with stress at work or (nursing students)schooling? any nursing group / activities available? what do regular nurses do on there day off? what do nurses do for fun? you guys bring your stress at home? i've noticed that a small percentage of nurses aren't happy at the things they do and that is why it shows in the workplace. i know it's stressfull and it takes a lot of testicular fortitude to be a nurse. it has ups and down. i think most nurses need to have a nice long vacation and outside hospital activities.

I do alot of things outside. I am a runner and am also working out in the gym with a trainer. These things really burn off the stress. Also reading and music really help to take one's mind off their job. I mean our job is only a part of our lives.

Trauma Columnist · Jun 4, 2004

I agree with Melissa - there is more to life than nursing. I love to read, volunteer and I also go to school!

bcelzo · Jun 4, 2004

how come a lot nurses and nursing student keep saying that the work is stressful?

MelissaRN · Jun 4, 2004

how come a lot nurses and nursing student keep saying that the work is stressful?

Because it is! You're juggling patients, dealing with families, and making a mistake is life or death! Also if you want to leave early you can't just say "I think I'll call it a day and finish up tomorrow". Not to mention catty co-workers, long hours, and no time to even eat or pee sometimes. :rotfl:

DG5 · Jun 4, 2004

I HAVE TO take a good nap when I get home. I can't function otherwise. Then I also am a piano accompanist and take voice lessons. I have always kept a journal too. It helps if you have a creative side in you.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2004

I try not to bring nurse stress home. But it's nice to have a spouse to come home to and talk about it with, to get it off my chest if something's bothering me.

I believe in vacations. I take one short and one long vacation a year. This year though it's a few mini-vacations here and there, long week-ends and such.

Lately my off time has been spent reading. Also do yoga, work out, play on the internet, bowl, etc. :)

I go through periods of working overtime so it's very important to de-stress and enjoy my offtime. Haven't been doing much overtime lately, but next month since we've lost three nurses whose contracts have expired and other coworkers are having vacations, I'll be working some overtime.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2004

I exercise, always go to the gym on the way home from work

Im eating better

I golf I golf I golf I golf

never take stress from work home

never take stress from home to work

keep it simple stupid

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jun 4, 2004

Something I have noticed over the past couple of years, since nursing became a part of my life.

That business about cortisol being related to weight gain is absolutely true.

Stress and anxiety and lack of time don't just contribute to poor eating habits--I eat really well, actually--they seem to be involved in fat distribution.

Not enough rest doesn't help--and when there are only so many hours in the day, sleep is often what gets cut.

We just came back from a vacation--the first I've had in maybe 18 years?--I like the idea of one short and one long each year. I've done the "long weekend here and there" vacation plan--it deteriorated into "put it off we don't have time" and now, well, the vacation was fun but it was also a lot of work.

Also, it's one thing to know what's a good thing to do, or even to want to do it. It's another to keep from getting so wrapped up in the seemingly important day to day stuff that we don't get to the important life stuff (like vacations) and other stress reducers....

Just some thoughts.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jun 4, 2004

Family, sing, play my guitar, listen to music and comedy, read, study, exercise, stretch, eat well -- the order sometimes varies.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 4, 2004

the common denominator for folks to cope with the stresses of nursing? (and it is VERY VERY STRESSFUL)

having a life outside of nursing.

that is true with ANY career.