Stress Relieve During Shift

Nurses Stress 101

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So I looked through a lot of the post and wasn't exactly able to find what I was searching for. I was wondering if any one had suggestions or felt like sharing what they do to help relieve stress during their shift. Its for a project for school that I am working on.

Thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Well this is probably not helpful, but.............I run outside and smoke a quick cigarette. (as do many of my co-workers). Thank goodness we are NOT a smoke-free "campus" yet! :smokin: :hehe::hehe:

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Vent to an understanding co-worker in the med room!! :-)

Holding a baby or making a kid laugh, when I get the chance, always works, too.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Take a five-minute potty break and pray for patience.............No, seriously, that's what I have to do sometimes to stop myself from :trout: the patient or family member who's on my last nerve!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.
Take a five-minute potty break and pray for patience.............No, seriously, that's what I have to do sometimes to stop myself from :trout: the patient or family member who's on my last nerve!

Really? You did that too? I didn't pray, I'd play a couple of minutes of Bejeweled on my cell phone. Worked like a charm.:lol2:

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Specializes in Labor & Delivery, Med-surg.

On my break I run out to the parking lot or down the back stairs. I also have gone into the washroom to rant (under my breath of course) and to pray for the strength to continue.

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

I will go into the med room, sit against the wall, and daydream for a few minutes. When I don't have the time to grab a co-worker and run outside for a quick "breathing treatment" and vent session, that is.

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Specializes in General Med Surge, long term acute care.

My campus is smoke free but we can clock out and leave campus. Many nurses go grab a couple of cigarettes in the parking lot next door.

I sing in the nurses station. Usually a known tune but with my own qwirky lyrics. Keep in mind the public can't access this area so I am helping myself out and usually cracking up my cohorts.

;)

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If things are getting tense i like to "Chart". Which is sitting at the nurses station and crack jokes, just try to make myself laugh. If am beyond that point i go to a secluded restroom on our floor and just space out on the toilet. You would not believe how calming the silence is.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

hit the in-house gym for a few minutes, walk around the hospital, drink a cup of coffee, grab a quick snack, vent to some co-workers, or many a time, go poop!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Whenever the day is really dragging on or I get stuck working a double, I grab my makeup bag, toothbrush, and nice smelling hand lotion. Its not really that I feel the need to look good for the sake of others but it does make me feel a lot more together and ready to jump into the remainder of my shift. Also when I am feeling really stressed but I have the opportunity to take a break I grab my ipod and enjoy a relaxing audiobook for 30 minutes. One thing that drives me a little nuts is when I finally get the opportunity to sit down and have a break I still have 5 other people in the break room with me wanting to make small talk. What's even worse is when they insist on talking about work... What part of B-R-E-A-K don't you understand, this is my chance to get away from it for a few minutes. Having the headphones on makes for uninterrupted time when I can quiet my mind and try to not think about all the hecticness going on back on the unit.

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