Nursing jobs can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying. They can also be exhausting, emotionally demanding, and stressful. Nurses expected to find ways to deal with their own stress on the job. They are also responsible for easing the fears and distress of their patients. With the demand for experienced nurses on the rise nationwide, many nurses currently working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities are feeling the burden of juggling more work than they can handle. This growing demand also means nurse jobs are popping up all over the place. So, be sure to search for “nursing jobs near me” if you are interested in a career in nursing.
Nursing Jobs Are In Demand
We know that nurse jobs are some of the most in-demand, sought-after jobs in Western Pennsylvania and across the country. They offer good pay, job security, and plenty of opportunities for advancement. But long hours, heavy workloads and physically demanding tasks mean nurses are more susceptible than most to stress and burnout, which can negatively impact their careers. Good emotional health is a critical part of keeping up with the growing demands of nursing jobs and that means learning how to deal with stress in a positive way. Research shows that nurses who don’t find effective ways to combat job stress face a greater risk of burnout and are more likely to report being dissatisfied at work. Here are five ways for nurses to deal with stress while on the job.
1. Take your breaks
You became a nurse because you enjoy taking care of others, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your own health and well-being. It may be difficult to imagine walking away to eat your lunch or grab a snack knowing that your patients need you, but experts agree that taking periodic breaks is essential for replenishing the body and the mind. Nursing is hard work and you can’t be at your best if you are physically and emotionally drained while on duty. By stopping to take a breather every once in a while, you can de-stress and recharge for the rest of the workday.
2. Practice deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises can help relieve the emotional stress, anxiety, and strain that comes from working a physically and emotionally demanding job like nursing. These exercises can also improve your mood and help you view life and its challenges in a more positive light. Nursing jobs are notoriously stressful, but with a calm mind, you can deal with that stress in a healthy way.
Deep, conscious breathing, often referred to as yogic breathing, is at the core of this stress relieving activity. There are many different breathing techniques you can practice until you find the right fit. Among the most popular is box breathing (or square breathing), used by Navy SEALS, athletes, and law enforcement. It is based on a 4 second count of inhale, hold, exhale, hold. It has been shown to heighten performance and increase focus for professionals in high stress jobs.
3. Find a mentor
There are many nurses who have gone before you and done what you are doing. Find a mentor or seasoned nurse who can help guide you and serve as a positive role model. Having someone to reach out to who understands what you are going through can make it easier for you to manage the demands of nursing and avoid burnout.
Finishing up a long, draining shift often leads to a mental shutdown when you clock out. That is, if you don’t have the necessary tools to cope. Research shows that talk therapy can have a significant impact on mental health, and that outlet isn’t exclusive to the couch in a therapist office. A mentor can be a great sounding board for verbalizing your feelings and can offer sage advice based on experience, validate your feelings, and provide a sense of encouragement.
4. Focus on mastering your skills
Being confident in your nursing skills can help improve your ability to perform well under pressure, which can be an effective stress-reducer. Often, nurses feel overwhelmed on the job due to problems they have no control over, like short-staffing, management issues, or a lack of resources. Mastering your skills is something you can control and concentrate on that can help reduce job stress.
5. Create a self-care routine
Nurses are famous for their hard work and unwavering dedication to the job. But if work starts to cross over into your personal life, it won’t be long before you start to lose your sense of self. The answer to this common problem lies in self-care, which Forbes says “is a discipline, not an indulgence.” A good self-care routine can include cooking healthy meals, getting more rest, limiting your screen time, or even doing a good deed for a stranger. By taking steps to care for yourself physically and emotionally, you better prepare yourself to contend with stress while on the job.
