Nurses expend much physical and emotional energy caring for their patients and families while navigating workplace stress and wildly unpredictable schedules. These combined factors typically leave most nurses little time to care for themselves.
Constant exposure to stressful situations coupled with a lack of self-care has made nurses perhaps more prone than others to burnout, depression, poor physical and mental health, and moral negativity.
After taking a Practical Nurse training program, you will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on your nursing journey, and it will be important to prioritize self-care as you navigate your new profession. Taking care of yourself is crucial to maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Read on for some helpful self-care tips.
Understanding Self-Care After Practical Nurse Training
The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.”
Self-care is essential in demanding and high-stress professions like nursing, where nurses are often exposed to challenging situations that might make them prone to burnout. Engaging in self-care practices allows practical nurses to recharge, maintain their physical and mental health, and sustain their ability to provide quality care to patients.
Engage in Regular Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Nursing can be physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing and moving around. Regular exercise is essential to maintain your physical health and stamina. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences, whether jogging, yoga, swimming or any other physical activity. Exercise keeps you physically fit, helps reduce stress, and improves mood.
Similarly, proper nutrition will be vital in maintaining energy levels and overall well-being after practical nurse training. As a practical nurse, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing quick, unhealthy meals due to a busy schedule. However, it’s important to prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Meal prepping and packing healthy snacks help ensure you have healthy options available during your shifts.
Practice Mindful Meditation After Practical Nurse Training
The healthcare industry can be fast-paced and stressful, making it crucial to find moments of calm amidst the chaos. Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine. This could include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking a few moments to centre yourself will help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Take Enough Time to Sleep After Practical Nurse Training
Sleep deprivation can have a detrimental impact on your overall well-being and job performance. Insufficient sleep is one of the most common causes of depression, weight gain, and cardiovascular diseases.
Worse, getting inadequate rest may dull your reflexes and response rates, making you less efficient than you could be. Make sure to prioritize getting enough sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, ensure a comfortable sleep, and avoid caffeine and electronic devices before bed. Quality rest will rejuvenate your body and mind, allowing you to provide the best possible care to your patients.
Completing a practical nurse diploma program means you will have all the skills and knowledge needed to be a confident and valuable addition to the healthcare system. With a rising demand for practical nurses in Canada, our programs equip students to be work-ready by providing practical and theoretical knowledge during training. As you navigate a fulfilling and successful career, these self-care tips will help you remain sharp, healthy, and committed to patient well-being.
Do you want to become a practical nurse?
Contact Discovery Community College to learn how to get started.