How to Combat Stress as a Nurse
Anyone in the nursing profession will tell you that nursing can be as stressful as it is rewarding. For every patient recovery, it seems like another is lost, which burdens the spirit. Understaffing at many health care facilities keeps many nurses doing the work of two or more people, which burdens both the mind and body. These stressful situations, along with difficult patients, difficult co-workers, and irregular schedules, have driven many a nurse to the breaking point. To help keep you from falling victim to stress, we will discuss some ways of combating it.
First of all, realize that you are not superman or superwoman. All you can do is the best you can with the resources and staffing present at your health care facility. Don't beat yourself up when things go badly that are outside of your control. Accept the fact that, despite your best efforts, some patients are not going to recover and some lives will be lost. If a mistake you made had adverse consequences, learn from it and move on. Do not wallow in guilt, because it will negatively affect your health and it will not bring things back to the way they were.
Find the humor in your work and celebrate your successes. Sometimes the things patients say and the daily goings-on in a health care facility are downright funny. Sometimes patients recover tremendously and thank you profusely for the quality of your care for them. Let these moments center you and remember them when the next patient isn't quite so gracious.
Also, find time to exercise in your off-time. This is difficult because nurses spend so many hours on their feet. However, good aerobic exercise not only releases stress in the body, but it also releases key endorphins in the brain that help you maintain a positive attitude.
Above all, do not take your work home with you. Many nurses spend too many of their off hours thinking about work—what they could have done differently to save a patient's life, that mean comment by a certain cantankerous patient, that lazy staff nurse who got honored for her "contributions," etc. Whatever it is, don't let it enter your mind when you're in your home. Instead, release your stress through prayer, meditation, music or a hobby you enjoy. Journaling or blogging is especially useful in clearing the mind if you have trouble leaving work at work.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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