Be proactive. Plan ahead. If you see that you have a demanding week, plan to take rejuvenation breaks. You know the things that do it for you. For me, some of those things are a running, hiking, a shopping trip, a nice meal, a pedicure, a hot bath by candle light, a romantic evening with my husband, a drive in the country, a massage, a movie at the theater, blasting music on my drive home and singing along. Create a list of your things that bring you pleasure and before you get tired or overwhelmed, look at your list and your calendar and schedule a break to catch your breath.
Recognize your own limits. A co-worker may be able to run before work, work a 10-hour shift and stop for drinks on the way home, but I know that will send me over the edge. I like being home before and after a long work day. Being away from the comfort of my home and the refuge that my own space provides is a sure way to send me looking for my broom - and no one will want to work with me the next day! Know yourself and your limits and don’t compare yourself with others.
Examples. Fin
Ask! When you find a good example ask him or her how they care for themselves and what activities seem to replenish them. What do they do at home, outside of work, or even during a brief break during a work day that allows them to catch their breath and recharge? I once asked our social worker at the cancer center what she does to care for herself. She told me she gets up early each morning and with her cup of coffee sits in a big comfy chair with a large picture book of amazing photography and works of art. She explained that the beauty in the book sets her mind in the right place so she can address the pain she sees the rest of the day.
Treat yourself. Find a handful of things that help you feel cared for and then do them, buy them, experience them. A romance novel, a decadent dessert, a stroll by the river, a foot massage, a kite, something that reminds you of childhood or being taken care of and go for
Help! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have met nurses who never ask for help and view it as being fragile or inadequate for the role of caregiver. Perhaps we don’t feel we deserve help. We may feel it is unfair to ask for help because our own needs don’t compare to the needs of our dying patients or the suffering we witness every day. We may feel weak asking fellow caregivers to switch hours with us or our parents to watch our kids while we get a night out. Again, I draw on the analogy of the oxygen mask and the idea that self-care is the only way we have the reserves to meet the endless needs around us. If we all ask for help appropriately and show compassion to each other, there will be no guilt, only healthy team members and teamwork.
Envision the nurse you want to be. Remember why you became a nurse. I chose nursing because I love being allowed into someone’s life at a vulnerable time an
About the Author: Katherine is an oncology nurse and writer. She has been a nurse since 1987, married the love of her life in 1989 and became a mother in 1992. She writes about balancing life with career, family and adventure and finding joy in the journey. She recently moved from New Mexico to Florida and works for the University of Florida.....Click Title for the Source Link
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