by Laura Wisniewski
"The nurse owes the same duty to self
as to others including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence and continue personal and
professional growth."
The American Nurses Association--Code of Ethics
No matter your practice setting, nurses today are faced with many challenges. Daily battles include staffing
issues, older sicker patients, risk for injury, budgetary constraints, regulatory scrutiny, rapidly advancing technology,
an aging workforce and patient safety concerns. Often the stress does not end at work. Caring for family and friends
can add to an escalating state of overload. Today, many nurses are sandwiched between the needs of their children
and aging parents.
Cumulative stress can precede
burnout or compassion fatigue. Burnout is associated with the stress and hassle of everyday work. Taking time off, vacations
or changing work area improve the symptoms associated with burnout. However, compassion fatigue is the cost
of caring too much, which may progress to emotional, physical, social and spiritual exhaustion. Recovering from
compassion fatigue is complex, requiring support and professional help. Both cause nurses to leave the
profession of nursing, further depleting the nursing workforce.
Self care is not selfish, no matter what messages you may have received from your mother or your profession.
Valuing your needs and acknowledging your limitations as a human being are the basis of self esteem and self acceptance. Setting
and maintaining healthy boundaries lead to a more balanced life and increased effectiveness.
Self care does not have to be expensive and can be as simple as saying "no".
When was the last time that you read a book that wasn't nursing related? If time constraints are a real concern
for you try taking mini-breaks throughout the day. Indulging in a bubble bath or listening to relaxing music won't
break anyone's budget. Explore what works for you.
Action Steps:
- Identify stressors in your life that you
could reduce or eliminate by saying "no".
- Do something special for yourself
today. You deserve it!
- Make self care a priority by scheduling
time to reflect, renew and recharge.
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Laura Wisniewski RN, BS, CIC is an education specialist, member of the National Speaker's
Association and president of Nursing Voice Communications Inc. Contact laura@nursingvoice.com
