Volume 11 Number 8 - September 21st

photo courtesy of www.health.nsw.gov

As a nurse, you spend all your time monitoring and managing the health of others. But what happens when your work responsibilities get in the way of your ability to maintain your own health and well-being? That’s when stress creeps up and takes over.

It can be difficult to define stress; you just know it when you feel it. Stress is among the most common workplace hazards for nurses, according to NSW Nurses Association. It can make you forgetful, impatient and angry, which can lead to other safety hazards on the job.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:

Psychological: Tiredness, fatigue and restless sleeping habits; irritability and impatience; frequent worry and anxiety; and moodiness and sadness.
Physical: Increased blood pressure, tension (often felt in the neck, shoulders, back and head); loss of appetite or overeating; and upset stomach.

All nurses need to embrace emotional well-being, and consider it integral to a healthy daily work routine. Though it’s not possible to avoid work-related stress, there are efficient steps you can take to help alleviate, cope and move on before it takes over and negatively affects your life.

Here are some helpful tips:

1.Take deep breaths. Stop what you are doing and compose yourself. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. The steady pace will force your mind to relax and focus on the breathing rather than your stressful situation.
2. Get away. Find a quiet place to sit down and gather your thoughts. Go outside or find an empty room - anywhere free from distraction. Relax your muscles to ease the tension. Close your eyes and try to drown out the worries of the job.
3. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Try to keep the situation in perspective. Everything isn’t always going wrong; it’s just one bad day. Remind yourself that tomorrow will be better.
4. Communicate with your supervisor. Notify him/her of the frustrations you’re experiencing. It may be something that can be easily fixed once brought to the management’s attention. It’s important for supervisors to be aware of problems, so they can better manage and ensure the well-being of their staff.
5. Share your worries with friends and family. It’s also helpful to express your feelings to people outside of work. Often times, these are the people who know you best and will listen with care and compassion. They may not be able to solve whatever stress or frustration you have, but they will most likely know how to get you out of the funk better than a boss.
6. Do something fun. De-stress after work by engaging in a non work-related activity. Practice your favorite sport, join a club or hang out with friends. Just make sure that your conversation doesn’t revolve around your stressful day at work.
7. Set realistic goals for yourself. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself and that’s what is causing the stress? Know your physical and emotional limitations and when to delegate responsibility.
8. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. Believe it or not, but a healthy body increases your ability to have a healthy outlook on life. Pack a well-balanced meal and take the time to sit down and enjoy it. Plus, bring nutritious, on-the-go snacks that’ll help give you a boost during your shift. If possible, go for a brisk walk around your facility. It’ll give you some fresh air, a bit of exercise and a chance to blow off some steam.
9. Practice relaxation techniques. There are plenty of books about doing yoga at work. You can practice breathing techniques, stretches and even positions throughout your work day. If you don’t feel like working out, then just enjoy your lunch break. Sit and eat and allow yourself a stress break.
10. Take time off. If the stress is just too much to handle, ask for some time off. You can always make up the shift another time. Your health is the most important thing. When you’re well, you’ll be better equipped to care for your patients effectively.

Travel Nurse City to See: San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is most famous for the Alamo, the missions of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and River Walk, a beautiful scenic walkway lined with shops and restaurants in downtown. The city also houses 10 museums, four performing art venues and a thriving nightlife. Taste the culture of the city when you try the world famous Tex-Mex cuisine at many restaurants throughout the city.
Weather: High: 80, Low: 58
Population: 1,256,509
Nearby Cities: Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo

Hot Travel Nurse Jobs

Contact your recruiter or call Access Nurses at 1-866-687-7390 to inquire about the following jobs!

San Antonio, Texas
ICU and CCU
Positions: Eight
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

New Orleans, Louisiana
Telemetry
Positions: 10
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Everett, Washington
Med Surg Float
Positions: One
Shift: 8 and 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Orange, California
Peds
Positions: Five
Shift: 12-hour days
Start Date: November 12

Manhassett, New York
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: 12-hour variable
Start Date: ASAP

Harbor City, California
Med Surg
Positions: Three
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP or October 22

Oak Lawn, Illinois
Med Surg, SICU and ICU
Positions: Four
Shift: 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP or October 1

Columbia, Missouri
OR, SICU, PACU and Burn ICU
Shift: 8 or 12-hour days and nights
Start Date: ASAP

Frisco, Colorado
L&D
Positions: One
Shift: 12-hour nights
Start Date: ASAP

Santa Barbara, California
NICU
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: September 24

Templeton, California
Med Surg
Positions: Two
Shift: Nights
Start Date: October 12 and November 6

Featured Forum Topic

Best Specialities for Travel Nursing

I’m an Emergency Room nurse in Michigan. In the next year or two I’m thinking about buying an RV and doing some Travel Nursing around the country. However, because of chronic staffing shortages in ER, I’m thinking about switching to another specialty that might not so stressful as I travel from hospital to hospital. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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