| Introduction | | | | making on people's lives. |
| Nurses are special people. It is no less difficult being a | | | | - Enjoy your time away from the profession. The act |
| nurse as it is becoming a nurse. Nursing school is | | | | of being a nurse is emotionally and mentally |
| challenging, and the vicissitudes of the job experience | | | | consuming. A great deal of energy is channeled |
| can be emotionally draining. Most people are too | | | | outwards; find the time to generate more energy |
| preoccupied with the notion of sickness and their | | | | inwards. It is okay to find some time for yourself |
| own well-being around nurses to think about how the | | | | when so much time is spent on others. This could be |
| nurses feel. | | | | done by doing things that you enjoy: reading, |
| It is not uncommon for nurses to experience | | | | exercising, spending time with a loved one, etc. |
| "burnout." They spend a short time with many | | | | - Exercise and meditation are two ways to relieve |
| patients and the patients are always in a state of not | | | | stress and gain more energy. Mental exhaustion can |
| being well. It becomes difficult to experience | | | | take its toll on the physical body, so tension needs to |
| relationships with people in these conditions. | | | | be released. Some people find benefit in lifting |
| The good news is that nursing is a very rewarding | | | | weights, bicycling, jogging, yoga, etc. |
| and noble career. Nurses must keep in mind that | | | | - Confiding in a close friend or a professional |
| people are concerned for their own welfare during | | | | counselor can be highly beneficial. There are |
| these situations and they are heavily dependent on | | | | confidentiality issues pertaining to the names and |
| nurses in taking care of them and providing them | | | | ailments of patients, but generalities or pseudonyms |
| with reassurance of their recuperation. | | | | can be used. Talking about feelings and concerns is |
| Suggestions to ease stress | | | | helpful; especially when a part of your own job is |
| There are ways for nurses to avoid "burnout." The | | | | listening to the concerns of others. It can be |
| following are suggestions in diverting a jaded nature | | | | emotionally draining for someone to regularly listen to |
| before it starts: | | | | other's concerns without relaying their own. |
| - Talk to other nurses in your profession; especially | | | | - Take a class that focuses on the stressful nature |
| nurses in different stages of their careers. Nurses | | | | of nursing. The class may be able to offer |
| with more experience will be able to relate success | | | | suggestions and tips into handling the pressures of |
| stories and will be able to call upon good memories of | | | | everyday nursing. It will also be nice to know that |
| their time in the profession. Younger nurses will lack | | | | there is an instructor and other students who feel |
| the experience, but their attitudes can be inspirational. | | | | the same way about the trials of nursing and that |
| Nurses enter the profession because they want to | | | | you are not alone. |
| make a difference and help others; it is nice to be | | | | Conclusion |
| reminded of these qualities in others and yourself. | | | | Nursing may not be for everyone. It takes dedication |
| - Keep a journal of your own memories and | | | | and a tenacious attitude. There are stressful aspects |
| experiences. Sometimes a "bad day" can stay with us | | | | of the job, but the good news is that the same |
| more easily than a "good day." Recording thoughts | | | | experiences that cause stress can also cause |
| from better days will help remind you of why you | | | | satisfaction. Nursing is a highly emotional job, and a |
| enjoy your profession and what an impact you are | | | | nurse can learn to focus that energy into positivity. |