One of the most important coping strategies for nurses to manage stress is practicing self-care. When nurses do not take care of their own needs, it becomes much more difficult to provide quality patient care and cope with stress on the job. Some self-care strategies nurses can practice include:
Getting adequate sleep. Nursing is a demanding job that requires energy and focus around the clock. Nurses should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to feel sufficiently rested.
Eating a healthy diet. When stressed, it can be easy to rely on junk food for quick energy. A balanced diet with lots of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables provides sustainable energy and nutrients to boost mood.
Exercising regularly. Even light exercise for 30 minutes a few times a week can release feel-good endorphins and relieve tension. Nurses should aim to step away from the unit during breaks to stretch their legs or do a short yoga flow to decompress.
Practicing relaxation techniques. Stress and tension often accumulate in the body. Practicing deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation or visualization techniques daily can help lower a nurse’s overall stress levels.
Scheduling time for hobbies. Engaging in activities the nurse finds enjoyable and relaxing, like spending time with family/friends, reading, crafts, playing with pets, are critical for managing stress in spare time.
Seeing a mental health professional. For nurses facing severe or long-term stress, seeing a therapist can help develop personalized coping strategies. Talking through challenges reduces feelings of isolation.
In addition to self-care, nurses can use conflict resolution and communication skills to handle job stressors:
Assertively addressing concerns. To reduce stress, nurses should not bottle up concerns but respectfully share them with colleagues and managers to solve issues collaboratively.
Establishing boundaries. It is important for nurses to say “no” when workload becomes unmanageable rather than taken on more than what can reasonably be handled alone.
Using “I” statements. By framing issues around personal feelings instead of accusations, nurses can resolve conflicts constructively and reduce tensions with colleagues.
Compromising when possible. Nursing demands teamwork. Where opinions differ, nurses should seek middle ground solutions respecting everyone’s perspectives and priorities.
Limiting distractions. Nurses can use Do Not Disturb signals or close office doors during documentation to focus on one task at a time without constant interruption that adds to stress levels.
Asking for help early. No nurse can do it all alone. Early requests for assistance prevents magnified stress when problems have escalated. Fellow nurses and managers want to support each other’s well-being.
On an organizational level, healthcare facilities can reduce nurse stress by addressing:
Understaffing. Ensuring adequate nurse-to-patient ratios according to acuity levels avoids overworking existing employees to a breaking point.
Inadequate supplies/resources. When basic necessities like functional equipment, supplies or medications are unavailable, performing tasks efficiently becomes difficult and frustrating for nurses.
Lack of appreciation. Simple gestures like thank you cards or occasional luncheons acknowledging nurses’ efforts motivates staff and creates a healthier work culture.
Limited opportunity for advancement. With few options for promotions or professional growth, staff can feel stuck in current roles. Flexible career ladders provide incentives for longevity in nursing.
Lax workplace violence policies. All staff including nurses should feel safe from verbal/physical aggression at work. Zero tolerance policies strictly enforced strengthen security for mental well-being.
Unfavorable schedules/shifts. Rotating shifts disrupt circadian rhythms and work-home balance. When possible, preferences for schedules like days only should be accommodated.
Using a multifaceted approach addressing individual coping, interpersonal communication skills, and organizational policies – nurses can effectively manage stresses inherent to caregiving roles and avoid burnout through self-care and support from colleagues. Perseverance in overcoming daily challenges with positivity and team-oriented outlooks ultimately make nursing a rewarding lifelong career.