Prioritizing Self-Care for Nurses
The significance of self-care for nurses and methods to nurture their physical, mental, and social well-being are explored here. In a world still grappling with a pandemic, the imperative for healthcare professionals to invest in self-care is more pronounced than ever. As frontline responders, nurses must tend to their own well-being to ensure the consistent delivery of quality care to their patients.
Understanding the Value of Self-Care for Nurses
The World Health Organization defines self-care as the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent illness, maintain well-being, and manage sickness and disability, independently or with assistance from healthcare providers.
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Often, nurses are so engrossed in caring for others that they inadvertently neglect their own health. Kendall Conn, a pediatric oncology nurse, emphasizes the importance of self-care with the adage, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Self-care empowers nurses to safeguard their well-being across physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and emotional realms. This guide elucidates ways in which nurses can engage in self-care, underscoring how replenishing themselves can enhance the quality of patient care.
Taking Care of Yourself in Nursing School
Why Self-Care Holds Significance in Nursing
For nurses to administer optimal care to their patients, they must also prioritize self-care.
According to Jennifer A. O’Neill, chief nursing officer at the Hospital for Special Surgery, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
“Nurses advocate for their patients and their families; thus, we must be emotionally and mentally available to provide the best care,” O’Neill asserts. “Delivering quality care hinges on our own well-being.”
Even amid the ongoing pandemic, the commitment to self-care remains unwavering. Engaging in self-care can heighten safety standards and improve the quality of patient care. Notably, here are 12 self-care products endorsed by nurses.
The Imperative of Self-Care in Nursing
Nurses navigate demanding schedules and extended hours. Nurse burnout can detrimentally affect the quality of care they offer, manifesting as decreased concentration, forgetfulness, and cognitive errors due to exhaustion.
The American Nurses Association conducted the Healthy Nurse Survey in the past year, revealing a pressing need to enhance “[nurses’] health, especially in areas like physical activity, nutrition, rest, safety, and overall quality of life.”
Alarmingly, 70% of surveyed nurses acknowledged prioritizing patient care over their own well-being, with 77% perceiving themselves to be at a “significant level of risk” for workplace-related stress.
Nurses must regard self-care as a top priority to mitigate the adverse impact of burnout on themselves and the care they provide to patients.
Embarking on the Journey of Nurse Self-Care
Nurse self-care encompasses diverse practices, encompassing physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and personal dimensions of health. O’Neill has woven various activities into her routine to foster self-care:
Incorporating regular workouts thrice weekly and achieving a daily step count of 10,000 is a pivotal part of her regimen.
Socially, she dedicates time to disconnect from technology, embracing moments of true presence with family and friends.
Finally, she engages in activities that invigorate and delight her, such as hiking, bird watching, and traveling.
By diversifying her self-care practices, she bolsters her well-being without compromising her identity amidst the daily grind.
Conn’s self-care routine embraces relaxation practices like yoga and meditation, alongside nurturing a spirit of “self-kindness.” Even a simple act like reframing can serve as a potent tool against fatigue.
“Putting gas in my car is one chore I dislike, but over time, I’ve reframed it,” Conn shares. “Instead of dreading the gas station, I consciously view it as a gift to my future self.”
Nurse self-care is an individual journey, marked by personal nuances. Nevertheless, several common options include:
Physical Self-Care
- Engaging in walks
- Opting for wholesome nutrition
- Cycling
- Pursuing workout sessions
- Enrolling in yoga classes
Mental Self-Care
- Acknowledging and praising oneself
- Finding outlets for emotions (e.g., drawing, music, writing, etc.)
- Cultivating gratitude practices
- Expressing emotions in the moment
Social Self-Care
- Engaging in non-work conversations with colleagues
- Enjoying dinners with friends
- Spending quality time with family
Spiritual Self-Care
- Engaging in meditation
- Participating in volunteer work
- Nurturing personal faith
Personal Self-Care
- Exploring new hobbies or activities
- Establishing a skincare regimen
- Embarking on drives
- Rewarding oneself after challenging tasks
Carving Out Time for Self-Care
One of the most formidable challenges in nurse self-care is time allocation. Lengthy shifts, particularly amidst a pandemic, may render self-care seemingly unattainable or overwhelming. However, practical strategies can assist nurses in carving out time.
Conn finds it effective to make self-care commitments to herself, while also extending grace as needed. Flexibility emerges as a crucial element, preventing self-care from becoming an additional stressor.
“Self-care can involve a nap on some occasions and a 45-minute spin class on others,” Conn underscores. “There’s no single right way; it’s about individualized self-care.”
O’Neill echoes the importance of planning ahead when formulating a schedule encompassing self-care.
“Without planning, tasks essential for long-term mental and emotional health could be overshadowed by day-to-day urgencies,” O’Neill observes.
During particularly busy periods, O’Neill proposes that even a one-minute pause or a deep breath can be invaluable for nurses throughout the day.
Tips for Elevating Self-Care in Nursing
While the nature of self-care can differ greatly from one nurse to another, strategies exist to prioritize these moments within daily, weekly, or monthly routines.
Nurses should fully comprehend their work routines to efficiently allocate time for self-care and strive to adhere to the plan. They should ascertain what holds significance, both professionally and personally.
O’Neill suggests that drawing from others’ experiences is an effective approach to striking a work-life balance.
“[Share] your stories and experiences with your colleagues,” she advocates. “You are not alone! We are all here to support each other.”
Conn highlights that even the smallest gestures can form the foundation of a larger routine. Even something as simple as purchasing an iced coffee on the way to work can be significant.
“Frame these small acts of self-kindness as mindful practices,” Conn recommends. “With time, they’ll become ingrained habits.”
In a world that relies profoundly on the dedication of healthcare professionals, nurses must cultivate ways to rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and spirits. Acknowledging nurses’ sacrifices, particularly as they prioritize patients’ needs above their own, is equally vital.
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