How to Handle Your Anxiety on the Job Patients may think about doctors when we go the hospital, but some may forget about the ones who help the physicians. Being a nurse is undoubtedly a rewarding job, but nurses do experience a lot of stress and anxiety at work, with pressure building when more patients are admitted and need medical attention. Oftentimes, nurses have to work double shifts when the medical team is somewhat understaffed and have no breaks, being constantly pushed to the limit and on the brink of burnout. Far too many nurses are overworked and exhausted, and this is is sometimes dangerous for patient care. All of this weighing on a nurse’s mind is bound to cause avoidable stress and anxiety. Following are a few tips on how nurses can cope with their chaotic work schedule and find a proper balance in their professional and personal life. Sticking to these guidelines will keep nurses in complete control of their well-being. 1. Get Good Sleep A vast majority of nurses in the United States work much longer than 8 hour shifts. They arrive early in the morning and leave late in the evening, easily upwards of 10 hours a day and sometimes going near 12 hours. Working such long hours places strain not just on physical health, but also mental health. Several studies show the importance of a good, long sleep of at least 7 hours. We suggest getting 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to completely recharge the batteries and wake up with a fresh mindset. It’s easy to notice the difference this makes even just after a week’s time. 2. Take Breaks If a nurse works many hours, bouncing around from task to task without taking time to him or herself, he or she may worry that things aren’t being completed sufficiently. This can lead to anxiety, and fear that they could mess things up and forget small details. One of the best ways to prevent this is to take frequent small breaks, allowing yourself to be free from distraction. It does not need to be long. Even ten minutes can work wonders on your mental and physical state. This could mean listening to a familiar song, reading a magazine, or something as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Disconnecting for even a brief moment puts things into perspective, eases mental state, and helps to prevent burnout. 3. Stay Positive With patients suffering left and right, it can understandably be difficult to handle, and leave long-lasting scars. One of the best ways to face fear is to constantly remind yourself that you are doing something good to help somebody in need. Having positive thoughts when facing such things goes a long way and gives value and importance. When nurses realize that they are doing something worthwhile, are grateful for it, and have positive thoughts, it is easier for stress to wash away.
4. Communicate your Stress with a Colleague Another way to handle stress and anxiety as a nurse is to talk to somebody about it. Nurses frequently communicate with patients, asking them about their ailments and understanding what they are going through. However, many do not do the same with their colleagues. Nurses should try to talk to one of their coworkers about what is on his or her mind. Medical staff is like family. They are going through the exact same activity as you are, and spending long hours at work just as you are. They can chime in and let you know that you are not alone in experiencing stress and anxiety. Rather than doing it alone, nurses working together will help them overcome the struggle.
These are just some of the ways nurses can anxiety right in the eye and overcome it. With proper rest, appreciation of what they do, and communication, nurses will be able to eliminate all forms of stress plaguing their lives and give their 100% to the patients.
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