The Importance of Self-Care for Nurses: What Are Your Go-To Practices

Published

Nursing can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it's also known for being stressful and sometimes overwhelming. I'm curious to know what strategies or routines other nurses use to manage stress and prevent burnout. Do you have specific techniques, hobbies, or tips that help you maintain balance? I'd love to hear everyone's experiences and insight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I have a vegetable garden that I spend time in. Just getting my hands dirty practically saved my life during Covid. I also have a family that I love and two great rescue dogs. When none of that works I go to the gym and swim. Get massages and accupuncture as well.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Dogs. I have lots of dogs. 4 to be exact (and 2 cats). I love the time with my dogs. 3 of them are German Shepherds and I do agility, obedience and I am training the 3rd to be a therapy, possibly a service dog (I have anxiety). 

They are great for all issues. An old dachshund (who has since passed) was instrumental in helping me get through the loss of mt mother (suddenly on Mother's Day). I know animals are not for everyone, but to me, they are essential. ❤️

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Self care has included:

1. Attend an in-person seminar yearly to learn from other professionals:  AACN SEPA Chapter Trends conference and  National Teaching Institute attended for many years.

2. Relaxation: needlepoint, Constant Comment Tea  and romance novel.

3. Summer floral and vegetable garden --picking last of tomatoes.

4. Since semi retired, fostering senior dogs.

5. The Best --wish I had done so years ago:  get a PEDICURE --shear relaxation and happy tootsies afterward.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

 

Quote

Do you have specific techniques, hobbies, or tips that help you maintain balance?

Yes. Don't let nursing take up an inappropriate amount of your identity. 
 

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×

My Grandkids My Dogs and My Harley. What keeps my mind clear after a long week is A long motorcycle ride to really nowhere. I can think or not!! Sometimes with a group of friends or just by myself.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

A conversation about self care needs to start with the fact that self care only goes so far and will not fix a situation that is exploitative/abusive.

If you are consistently being traumatized at work, self care will not be enough. You need to get yourself out of that situation. Self care is to soothe and calm yourself in order to make the best decisions for yourself. It isn't a solution to any problem. It's a way to get to the solution. It's a temporary compensation. It doesn't work as a permanent intervention for an untenable situation.
 

5
Up Vote Up Vote ×

^ Hear, hear!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion