Top Stress Relievers for Rapid Response Nurses
Like any other healthcare professional, rapid response nurses experience a great deal of job stress. Especially with a world shortage of nurses, workloads are increasing across the world. Unfortunately, critical care nurses are no strangers to intense, life-threatening situations that take a toll on their mental, physical, and emotional health. However, there’s hope, and we have come up with the top five stress relievers for busy nurses.
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Talk About It.
Did you have a bad day? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Whatever the situation, sometimes talking to a trusted colleague makes all the difference. Exchange witty banter, discuss upcoming plans, your job satisfaction, or just vent about the day’s frustration—you’ll feel so much better. Remember that you are not alone, and your team members are there to help.
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Walk It Out.
One of the best ways to remedy tense situations is going for a walk. If time permits, go out for some fresh air and clear your head. If you’re unable to go outdoors, take a brisk walk around your healthcare facility—and remember to breathe.
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Think Positive Thoughts.
This can be tough, but choosing to stay positive even during the most stressful moments on the job is critical. Think about your favorite memory or a funny joke shared with you by a close friend or family. According to RNnetwork, positive thinking when you’re angry or frustrated can not only defuse a crisis but help you keep patients calm as well. No matter what, it’s also important to maintain a daily doctor and patient rapport.
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Breathe.
When all else fails—breathe—a small but mighty way to change the trajectory of a stressful day. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but trust me on this. According to the University of Michigan Health, deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body. There you have it.
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Eat Well and Stay Hydrated.
Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated with healthy drinks go a long way. Put down the junk and opt for foods proven to help fight stress. With a healthy, balanced diet, you know your mind and body to handle whatever lies ahead.
Rapid response jobs and travel nurse jobs are rewarding, but again, like any other healthcare position, stress is inevitable. This isn’t a comprehensive list of managing stress but take note when the going gets tough. If you are considering a change in nursing specialty or a move to another city, contact AMN Healthcare.
