As a nurse, one of your main responsibilities is to help those in need. While making a difference to people’s lives can be hugely rewarding, it can come at a cost, especially if you aren’t looking after yourself. Being in a tense environment can raise stress levels, so keeping yourself healthy is incredibly important. With that in mind, here are five tips for how to stay healthy as a nurse.
Eat Before Your Shift
We all know how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, however, as a nurse, your shift patterns can be all over the place, which can have a big impact on your eating habits. Working long hours can take its toll, so it’s crucial that you eat before you begin your shift. The last thing you want is to be running on fumes, so eating foods packed with vitamins and minerals can give you the energy you need to get through your shift.
Balance Family Life and Work Life
Trying to find the right balance between your work and social life can be a challenge as a nurse. With no two days the same, and your shift patterns being all over the place, finding time to spend with your nearest and dearest is important. Make sure that you know your schedule so you can let your family and friends know when you’re free.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
With lives on the line, the pressures and responsibilities that nurses face can be overwhelming, therefore, it’s crucial that you get enough sleep before a shift. If you are struggling with your sleep, this can have a big impact on how you perform at work, so making small but subtle changes to your lifestyle can be a huge help, allowing you to get some much-needed shuteye.
Stay Hydrated
Being on your feet all day can take its toll, so it’s important that you drink plenty of water throughout your shift. It can be all too easy to reach for sugary drinks, however, while you may get a short burst of energy, you will soon feel sluggish and rundown. Make sure to have a water bottle nearby that you can top up to keep you hydrated.
Regular Exercise
Once you’ve finished a 12-hour shift, it’s understandable that exercise will be the last thing on your mind! However, fitting regular exercise into your routine can help keep you on track and boost your mood. Many nurses find hitting the gym or doing some yoga can help to de-stress after a busy day.
Getting Started
If you would like to go into a nursing career, having the right experience and qualifications behind you is a must. For example, if you’re studying for an MSN/MBA dual degree, there are lots of advantages you can receive, so knowing about the course specifications and the type of MSN MBA salary you will receive is important. There are various courses and training programs that nurses need to undertake before getting started, so doing your research is key.
Staying healthy and active as a nurse is important so that you can remain alert and prepared for your next shift. While your main concern may be on your patients, looking after your own wellbeing is just as important.