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Promoting the Health and Well-Being of Nurses
As a nurse it can be difficult to prioritize your health and well-being when you have many competing priorities that demand your time and attention. We tend to think of ourselves last, leaving little time and energy to care for ourselves. How you take care of yourself will determine your health in the future, which is why it is important to develop strong self-care habits. The different dimensions of your health and well-being are interconnected and determine your overall state of being and ability to live your best life
Five Critical Categories for Personal Well-Being
There are five general categories of well-being. It’s important for nurses to keep all of these
areas in balance, and for employers and the community to support them as they do so.
Professional well-being
Professional well-being is engaging in a career that provides personal fulfillment and intellectual stimulation, in alignment with your personal values and goals. It is a state of wholeness that brings life, work, people, and money into balance. Lifelong learning, critical and creative thinking, and work-life balance contribute to a sense of professional well-being.
Spiritual well-being
Spiritual well-being involves beliefs, values and principles that give direction and purpose to our lives which helps to establish peace and harmony in life. Having an abundant spiritual life means living with a deep sense of enrichment, a vibrancy and a willingness to give of ourselves to others.
Social well-being
Social well-being is the capacity to establish and maintain positive relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and the community. Our connection to others has a powerful impact on our health.
Emotional well-being
Emotional well-being is demonstrated by your ability to respond to life challenge’s and meet the demands of everyday life. It is being self-aware and having positive emotions, moods, thoughts and feelings. A strong sense of emotional well-being means more energy, awareness and a healthier outlook on life.
Physical well-being
Physical well-being is the direct result of lifestyle choices and the behaviors that we choose around sleep, diet, exercise, relaxation, and hygiene. Physical well-being is important because it enables you to be the best version of yourself. Research shows that your physical well-being impacts your resiliency, stress, outlook on life, and your cognitive ability.
Taking Time for Essential Self-Care
Self-care are the deliberate activities that contribute to health and well-being. As nurses, we have an obligation to care for ourselves just as we extend care to other human beings. Replenishing ourselves gives us the strength, energy and fortitude to be at our best when we are caring for others.
Here are five strategies to help you engage in meaningful self-care.
#1 Get Enough Sleep
Sleep 7-8 hours/day for optimal benefit
Minimize light exposure while sleeping
Plan a sleep schedule and stick to it
Eliminate caffeine at least 5 hours before sleep
Develop a bedtime ritual to help you relax
#2 Care for your Physical Health Exercise at least 30 minutes/day Eat a well-balanced diet Pack your food for work Drink plenty of water
#3 Care for Your Mental Well-Being Take time for yourself – set your intentions for the day Take breaks at work Spend time outside in nature Take your vacation time and disconnect from work Find moments during the day to pause, breath, and listen to your heart Find a health professional to talk about your feelings Spend time just being and pondering Practice gratitude
#4 Develop Boundaries Between Work and Home Take control of your life and learn to say “no” Identify what your boundaries are for work Establish technology limits Be intentional and set margin in your day Identify how you want to spend your time Set boundaries in protecting time for self-reflection Protect your time by limiting the number of activities
#5 Develop Strong Interpersonal Relationships Develop a close friendship at work Establish a few close, healthy relationships to enjoy life with Make time for social gatherings with family and friends Travel with a friend Spend time daily communicating with family and friends Find an activity you enjoy doing with a friend
Nursing Workforce Burnout
and Suicide
The nursing workforce is facing many challenges but two important concerns that need to be addressed are nurse burnout and suicide. Nurse burnout is a widespread phenomenon and the extraordinary demands that COVID-19 has placed on nurses has intensified the stress and the concern. The emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that many nurses are experiencing puts them at risk for neglecting their own health and well-being and hindering their ability to effectively care for others. The nursing shortage across Georgia negatively impacts nurses and the increased workplace demands have increased the stress and dissatisfaction of nurses.
Prolonged periods of nurse burnout, increased workplace demands, and tough challenges at home have placed nurses in a high-risk category for suicide. The studies that have been done on nurse suicide illuminate the need for more work to be done to prevent nurse burnout, address the workplace demands and provide support services to ease some of the external burdens.
The National Suicide Prevention Line is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential support for individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you or a nurse you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to reach out to this organization.
Healthy Nurses for a Healthy Public
By prioritizing your own health, well-being and self-care activities as a nurse, you are creating a strong foundation for yourself and your career. Strong nurses are essential for creating a healthcare system that serves the needs of both nurses and the general public. Working together, we can address the needs of our nursing community, reduce burnout and suicide and create a robust healthcare system in Georgia.
Are you a Graduate of a Foreign
Nursing Education Program?
Upwardly Global is an organization helping to support immigrants and refugees who want to
contribute their vital skills to the professional U.S. workforce.
contribute their vital skills to the professional U.S. workforce.