Separating work from home life

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I know :) I am full of questions lately :)

Nursing obviously affects many on a very emotional level, and can be very intense. As a student, I see nurses working so hard, emotions flying, and I wonder how they unwind when they get home. How do you keep from bringing the emotional baggage of the job home with you? After reading the affair and divorce thread, i see that being a nurse has hurt relationships for many people. How do you leave work at work, and live life at home?

What do you do to unwind so that you dont take frustrations out on your family?

Thanks in advance :)

BrandyBSN

That last one worked! Very nice, Micro

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Brandy, like another poster, I have a long drive- >1 hr. I used to find myself unconsciously using the nursing process to evaluate my work that day. It helped me critique myself, and figure out what I could have done differently; or better. My best friend is a nurse, and we talked often about our experiences.

My husband used to be an EMT, so has an interest and understanding of my work, and always lends an interested ear. He is proficient at rubbibg my back, especially that area between my shoulders where I store my stress!

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

I'm with you, OBHEATHER! SEX AND CHOCOLATE!!! TWO OF MY FAV-OR-ITES FOR SURE!!! :chuckle

I can turn work off like nobody else I know. When I'm at work, I'm in my realm of nursey-nurse 100%, and when I leave work -- from the time I step onto that elevator, I am homeward bound and my mind switches like clockwork.

When I was a traveling nurse working near the beaches of the world, I would come home from work, strip out of my work clothes and put on my bathing suit, grab my beach bag, and head for the beach. I ate at the beach, sunbathed at the beach, read a book at the beach, talked to other people at the beach, and walked a good walk on the beach. I collected seashells and most times just laid out on my beach towel listening to the heavenly sounds of the seagulls and the ocean waves. Ahhhh, heaven indeed! :)

It's 1700 hour here in Texas, and my hubby will be walking through that door any second, so I better get dinner on the table to feed that hard working man. :chuckle I'll be back....:chuckle

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I agree with another poster. Co-workers are just that.

Learned along time ago, that co-workers and "my life" away from work just do not mix.

When I finish my 8 hours I want to leave it all there, work, problems and 99% of the people.

Just my way I guess, but happy with it.

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(fiction)

After a long day at work, I check my "at work" brain at security and reclaim my "after work" brain. After the transfer is complete, I walk briskly to my car, and lock myself in. I sit still throughout the drive and reacquaint myself with my "after work" brain, while I talk to my wifey on a cell phone and inquire about dinner. When I arrive home, my wifey (Lorelei), listens to me while I discuss residual memories from work that were still in my nervous system during the brain transfer as I left work. Lorelei has prepared a microwave dinner for us, and eat it in front of the TV. After dinner, my wifey and I enjoy a glass of blush wine.

(this fictional story was invented to evoke laughter and relieve stress)

:-)

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Brandy

Despite the some postings to the contrary, you can and should separate work and home life. Much healthier.

There is alot to be said for MENTAL HEALTH.

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Specializes in CV-ICU.

Brandy, WHY do you think so many of us come here so often????????????? ;) ;) ;) :) :) :) :D :D

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lol Jenny :) That answers my question right there, doesnt it :):)

JMP - I will take that advice :) I know it might not be easy, but i would think it would be necessary to have any peace of mind.

Thanks :)

BrandyBSN

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Brandy - Your a healthy and smart woman. Just drink plenty of water everyday, get plenty of sleep every nite, eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, and rev up your heart several times a week. Keep it simple. Also, growing and maturing requires you to think alot. If you see something new, at any age, anywhere...your supposed to think about it. Not all thoughts are pleasant, right? Just keep your brain and body fueled and you can do anything :-)

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Right on Jenny P! And, as for me, I can't "leave it at work" I come home and talk my boyfriend's ear off! I 've done this so much that now, that it is truly sad how much he knows about port-a-caths, norcuron, afib, etc.

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It is hard sometimes, unless it was a bad night I don't bring to my home. My home is my sanctuary that is why when I am off I don't answer the phone. My quiet time is very important to me. I guess you have to prioritize what is important. When I am at work my focus is on my patients when I am at home I put an Enya CD in my stereo system and unwind.

By the way, Brandy how is psyche? You hang in there I know it is not the most favorite places to go.:p

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Brandy,

Great question and one that I have asked myself so many times. We each have to find our own ways to relax and seperate our work lives with our private lives. Everyone has posted some great answers that I will try for me. One thing I do to get through the day and work is to bring chocolate for all of the staff. $3 for a pound of chocolate starts is sure worth it. We all get to laugh and indulge our sweet tooth while struggling to get through the day or night. Besides, I work with wonderful women (I am the only male nurse on the floor). It is one way in which I can show my gratitude and appreciation for all they do.

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