How do you decompress/debrief?

Nccity2002, MSN, RN · Nov 1, 2011

I am a new ER nurse (3 months) and new nurse (2 years)...I am just wondering how to stop thinking about work when I am not there? I find myself ruminating over my mistakes and over what I will do differently, dreaming about work, not enjoying my days off, and I am not mentally or emotionally here for my family. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks!

Hi Coke,

Not sure how practical it may be for you, but personally I practice yoga (hot yoga) every morning, after work. It always reminds me that what is done is done, and for that hr...it is all about me. :yeah: :yeah:

wooh, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2011

I make my commute the absolute BREAK between work and home. Now sometimes when I get home, I might still have to rant to my husband, but generally I try to get all thoughts and such out of my system on the drive and transition into happy non-work me before I get home.

Akeos · Nov 1, 2011

I've found that running is really helpful for me. I start out thinking about work but by the end I feel a lot better, and usually have everything in my head worked out. Have a goal to work towards outside of work, that way you have something else to think about and keep you busy on your off time.

StrwbryblndRN · Nov 1, 2011

I do not exercise. Nor do I find I think about work at home.

I do not know how I do it though. I think it is because life if really not that dramatic. You do what you know and the best you can and keep trucking.

This thought process always works for me.

For me it was just a matter of figuring out what really is important and living simple. I did and it made all parts of my life better.

SweetheartRN · Nov 1, 2011

I pray. Also I realize that when I get off especially right after a shift I just tell myself that I'm finished with my shift and there is nothing more I can do during my time off. My shift is OVER. You really really do have to shake it off. I guess I have the work me and the non-work me. They are two different ppl lol.

I notice that nurses who are best able to let go of work are the ones that appear uncaring sometimes to the Supernurse Nightingale types. Yes ofcourse CARE during your shift, and then "let it go" when you're off. If you don't you will burn out fast because of being consumed by work. For me its mentally passing on the responsiblity to the nurse I gave report to. Its their turn to care for these patients. I've done my time and its time for me to go now.....I will mentally get back into the nurse me when its time for me to go back to work.

Last night I did wake up and think about anything I might have missed...what else could I have done or done better and I reminided myself you do the best you can with the skills and resources you have to do it with and I went back to sleep and slept peacefully.

Good luck to you.

46oldnewrn · Nov 1, 2011

The past is the past and you absolutely can not change it, just learn from it and move on dot com!!

germanshep · Nov 1, 2011

I watch terrible TV shows for an hour when I get home :) Or take a long shower/sit in the sauna/hot tub at the gym. I love to run and work out but if I am doing back-to-back shifts, I cannot work out after 13 hours then go back to work the next day. You will find what works best for you :)

kool-aide, RN · Nov 1, 2011

I have yet to figure this one out…I live, eat, and breathe nursing--it's hard not to when you work full time as a CNA and in school for nursing. I try to keep up with my personal hobby(drawing), but I normally don't have the energy to do so. I usually just end up in bed watching tv or sleeping in my spare time. :yawn:

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2011

I go home and stare at a wall for about an hour... :bugeyes: hee hee

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 1, 2011

Once I'm done, I'm done. Do the best I can, don't beat myself up too badly and keep moving forward. I also try not to make the same mistake twice. That really helps.

beast master RN · Nov 1, 2011

great sex *wine and meybe something to drink