Did you know that self-care is mandated in the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Code of Ethics? The code states that, “fatigue and compassion fatigue affect a nurse’s professional performance and personal life.” By knowing what self-care is, why it is so important, and by having a good self-care plan in place you can provide a higher quality of care for your patients and promote your own health.
What is Self-Care – How does it affect Nursing Wellness?
What do you picture when you hear the words self-care? Do you see a yoga mat on the beach, a steaming latte, or a fresh manicure? Nursing wellness through self-care can include all of those things, but more importantly, it is about taking an active role in handling all areas of your health. There are seven aspects of self-care recognized by the ANA to improve nursing fatigue: Physical, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual, Social, Personal, and Professional. All of these are equally important in managing a healthy lifestyle as a nurse.
Nursing Fatigue: Why is Self-Care Important for Nurses and Healthcare Workers?
As a healthcare professional, you know what a toll stress can take on the body. Nursing fatigue has a real impact on your job performance. As a nurse, care comes first, but it can be difficult to effectively care for others if you aren’t caring for yourself. Practicing good self-care can help mitigate the fatigue and stress nurses face so they have the emotional reserves necessary to consistently practice patient care with empathy and compassion. Taking time to assess what aspects of self-care may need attention can not only help you be a better health care professional, but also have a positive impact on the rest of your life.
Nursing Wellness: Ways to Practice Self Care as a Nurse:
Physical Self-care
- Stay away from that tempting break room snack table! Pack nuts and dry fruit
- Remember to schedule your regular health exams
- Take a multi vitamin
Psychological Self-care
- Try downloading a meditation or therapy app
- Start a bullet journal
- Set screen time limits
Emotional Self-care
- Watch your favorite movie
- Write down positive affirmations
- Dance when no one is watching
Spiritual Self-care
- Spend time in your favorite outdoor setting
- Find a like-minded community in person or online
- Volunteer your time to something you believe in
Social Self-care
- Catch up with a childhood friend
- Join a crafting class
- Send a handwritten letter
Personal Self-care
- Start a skin care routine
- Treat yourself to a food you’ve never tried
- Get the ad free version of your favorite subscription service
Professional Self-care
- Find a job that works for you!
By working through WPA Nurse Staffing you can find a fulfilling working environment you want to be in with a schedule that works with your lifestyle. Contact Us today, or check out what our jobs board has to meet your personal needs.