Stoic Philosophy and Nursing

[Bobcat00]

Over the course of this year, I have been reading a book called The Daily Stoic:  366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday. It is a daily motivational book that contains excerpts from the writings of Zeno, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and other Stoics, along with explanation and comments from the author. This is not my first introduction to Stoicism; I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius as a young man. However, this book makes Stoic philosophy more accessible to the general reading public.

 

For those of you unfamiliar with Stoic philosophy, here is a brief lesson.

 

I promise it will be brief.

 

Stoicism is a school of philosophy originating in Ancient Greece. It's focus is on the development of a good life. Achieving a good life depends on the practicing of four virtues:  wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. Please note that the good life in Stoicism does not mean being rich and famous, without a care in the world. It is not that good life, the one that everyone on beer commercials seems to be living.

 

Stoicism to me seems to be about building mental toughness. It is about being comfortable no matter your circumstances. Stoicism teaches us to be content with what we have, not to let the trivial things in live bother us, and to treat others well. Stoicism as a philosophy plays well with other belief systems and religions. There is an overlap of ideas with Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism.

 

So, what does this have to do with nursing?

 

I have used Stoic ideas throughout my nursing career, especially to cope with stress and the demanding nature of the profession. Examining my thoughts and feelings during times of challenge or uncertainty, I was able to control my fear and think clearly. Stoicism has helped prevent me from overreacting or worrying excessively.

 

A point of Stoic philosophy involves controlling what you can control. Often, the only thing you can control as a nurse is your reaction to events. Your thoughts in your brain are under your control. It seems like not much else is sometimes. Suppose you get a surprise admission during the last hour of your shift, and you wonder how you will ever get everything finished before the next shift comes in. You might worry about how angry the next shift's nurses will be if you do not get all the work done for this patient. This is not helpful for you. Stoicism tells us to control what we can control. Do all the work you can do in the time allotted. That is under your control. The reactions of the oncoming nurses are not. That does not mean be uncaring about your coworkers, just not so concerned that you let worry slow down your work.

 

Stoicism teaches us to learn to let go. Although you may think you can control everything as a nurse, there are always going to be those unexpected moments that throw your entire shift into a tailspin. Patients are going to code, physicians are going to be unhappy, family members are going to yell. In those moments, hang on. Control what you can.

[Bailiwick]

I have read both, I do like the Daily Stoic.  I'm in HC frontlines.  I think you'll love one of my favorites.  Check it out.

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=Auuk1y4DRgk 

Love your post and title.  I knew I wasn't the only HCP interested in this topic.  Thanks for the post.

[Bobcat00]

Thanks for sharing the video. I try to follow the Stoic path as much as possible.  Some days I do a better job than others.  

[MarkMyWords]

Seneca and Epictetus are the foremost ancient stoics. Seneca is easier reading style. But not so easy to use everyday life. I cannot. It is easy to tell others what to do. Remember that they lived in Roman times under strict rulers

I enjoy Seneca when he gives simple advice in life still applicable