How do you deal with the stress of being a nurse?

[coffeemamaRN, RN]

First I just want to say that I love being a nurse. I have been a nurse for almost two years now, and it is the hardest job I've ever had, but the most challenging and therefore the most rewarding. I became a nurse as a second career, after first starting off with a BA in psychology and then working random jobs that had nothing to do with my degree (from being a daycare teacher to working in a medical billing office doing data entry). I love the feeling of making even a small difference in someone's life, and I love the challenges and variety of experiences I have from day to day.

However, there's no denying the fact that nursing is stressful. I work full-time in a long-term acute care hospital, and bedside nursing, especially med-surg, is crazy busy almost all of the time. I worry about the long-term effects of stress on myself, and I'd love to hear more experienced nurses' advice on how you deal with it. I'm already starting to get high blood pressure, and I'm only 34! Plus, I'm married with three kids, including a baby who is four months old, so my days off aren't as restful as I'd like them to be.

I see nurses who have some bad habits, even though they know better (smoking, eating junk food, binge-drinking alcohol on days off). For me, I tend to eat more junk food than I should, and I sleep a lot on my days off. How do you deal with the stress of being a nurse, and how do you balance work with family life?

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Hi coffeemama,

Second career here as well. A little over a year in nursing so far on a very busy very acute Med-Onc unit. I have to say, my first 6 months, including orientation were the most stressful months of my entire life, no exaggeration. My baseline HR went from low 60s to 80s-90s, etc etc, I am sure any new nurse can relate.

The plus side of that is that these months taught me to take good care of myself. I actually craved healthy food. I got a lot more regular with my yoga practice. I did not set an alarm on days off just slept as much as I wanted too (a lot!). I did make a commitment to invest in having a massage every other week (found an inexpensive yet decent Korean massage place in the area). And in general, I slowed waaaaaay down on my days off, I stopped trying to get "everything" done at home, rather would spend the time meeting with a friend for a tea.

What has been my biggest and most effective therapy, however, is nature. Long (1.5-3) hour hikes in beautiful woods, fresh air, tranquility can take away any stress and worry. At least for me.

Now after a year+ and being more confident and less stressed going to work, I started relapsing a little:) But in general I am now a better self-care-taker:)

[elppaym, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Stress, we have to deal with it healthy ways.

During work: I step off the unit when on Lunch, get away and take a break and zone out. If the wife is off I'll have her send pics of the kids (8yr, 6yr, 3yr) or call and talk to them. Alternatively I do the same when she is at work (Nurse also). Great stress reliever even if its for 10min or so, they can always make my day more.

I go in the doors positive and I leave the same way. I am going to remain positive throughout the day, if something bad happens or an issue pops up, I'll deal with it the best that I can. I work in the ED and things can go from fine to crap in 30 seconds. Deal with it, do what we're trained to do and do the best we can, that's all we can do.

Leave it at the door, don't bring it home. Same with home issues, leave them at the door and don't bring them to work.

Home life: I exercise, I run, I swim, I cycle. I do triathlons, Ironman etc. 5ks, 10ks etc.

I have a stroller that holds one, we had two...I invested in a stroller that holds 2. When we had 3 children, the oldest was able to ride his bike while I ran and pushed the other two in a stroller. We found a gym that has child care, and we take advantage of that.

A lot of people say they have no time, there is time you just have to make the time, IMO.

I trained for an Ironman...while having a full time job and having a full-time family and going to grad school full-time for my FNP.

I didn't watch TV, I spend more time outdoors with my family, my days off were spent being more productive, I was in better shape than when I was 18, and I would sleep like a baby.

However you decided to manage your stress, it should incorporate some type of exercise, eating healthy, and ways to include the family.

Good luck!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

What has helped me throughout my 11 years in nursing is meditation and yoga; I started meditation during PN school for my test anxiety and have used it consistently; I even meditate before I start a shift to help manage stress.