Do you love your job? If so, you’re one of the lucky ones! Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession, but it’s not for everyone. If you are looking to become a nurse or are already a nurse, these tips and Habits of Nurses will help you find happiness at work.
Get proper sleep
Nurses are some of the most sleep-deprived professionals. They work long, overnight hours then wake up early for their next shift. Working on long shifts with insufficient sleep is one of the most exhausting parts of nursing jobs. The toll this takes on you can lead to depression, weight gain, heart disease and other health issues. Nurses should maintain a proper sleep cycle and take short naps whenever possible. Getting adequate rest will make you feel loved at work, and working this way can lead to better patient care and a higher quality of life for the nurse. Sleeping well is the first step to loving your job as a nurse. It helps you stay healthy and sane.
Take out time for self-growth and education
Spending all your time caring for others can be rewarding, but it’s essential to take some time for yourself. Learning and exploring new things is a great way to expand your knowledge and keep your brain active! Read books, enroll in courses at the local education center or check out online courses offered by universities. There are various types of online programs that you could register on – to understand your options better, you may go through the FAQs about RN to BSN Online Programs. Continuing your education will lead to opportunities for advancement and better prospects at your current job. It will also help you stay up to date on the latest advances in nursing and healthcare!
Avoid making errors- Habits of Nurses
Before giving any medication, nurses should always double-check the medicine’s dosage, drug interactions, allergies that the patient has. The best thing nurses can do is ask if there are any concerns about their medications. Nurses should also remember that even though they learned something in school does not mean it will apply to every patient or situation, so stay flexible and continue learning new skills and treatments for different conditions and diseases.
Eat healthily
Nursing is a challenging job, and to stay on top of your game, you need to make sure that your body is fueled with the food and energy it requires to function correctly. To ensure your body performs well, eat nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and eat small meals or snacks throughout the day. It is also crucial to watch what you eat from the vending machines. They offer a large variety of food, but most of it is unhealthy. If you desire something from there, try to limit your choices as much as possible, and choose vegetables or fruits whenever they are available.
Exercise often – Habits of Nurses
Working long hours at the hospital can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation if not dealt with properly. You can address this by exercising a few times a week. It will help you feel better every day so that you won’t dread going back to work. Working out releases endorphins into the body that make you happier. Exercise will also help you burn calories, which helps with weight loss if that is your goal. There are many ways to stay active, but make sure to do something you enjoy doing! Hiking or jogging outside is an excellent option for getting some fresh air and enjoying the outdoors. A workout and exercise routine does not have to be boring! Try yoga, taekwondo, or Pilates; classes are available for all age groups in most communities. It’s essential to find some form of physical activity that makes you happy!
Strive for a balance between work and personal time – Habits of Nurses
There is nothing more detrimental than working too much; you end up sacrificing personal time and health for work and losing touch with friends and family. When you’re at work, put your best foot forward and do the absolute best that you can. However, after hours, make sure to take care of yourself by doing things that make you happy; go out with friends or family; spend some time alone; read a book; watch Netflix; do something for yourself!
Join a professional association or club
Working at the same place and following a monotonous routine day in and out can be tiresome. Sometimes, it’s nice to meet new people who share similar interests as you. Joining a professional organization is a great way to network with nurses from various places while learning a thing or two about nursing itself. There may also be workshops held by these organizations that provide more insight on some specific topics in the field. If you are interested in community service, joining an organization dedicated to helping others might be interesting too! These organizations allow nurses to work together and help their communities which is beneficial for everyone involved! There may also be clubs based on things unrelated to nursing at all, so there are plenty of different types of organizations you can join! Some examples are sports clubs, book clubs and cooking clubs. Doing your research is one of the best ways to determine what type of organization would interest you the most! Search for them online or ask around with friends and family.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most critical tips that seasoned nurses learned to do over their years in nursing is to stay well hydrated. It does not mean drinking buckets full of water every single day. It means staying hydrated throughout the day by regular water intake. Staying hydrated also helps to stay energized; avoid sugary drinks since these can cause large crashes in energy. Keep a large water bottle with you when you start your shift and drink from it throughout the day. If you find drinking copious amounts of plain water too bland, add some lemon or cucumbers for flavor instead. Staying hydrated also helps to avoid fatigue, which leads to errors.
Conclusion
Nurses who love their jobs have habits that set them apart. Nurses who love their careers have developed the patterns we’ve discussed, but it’s never too late to start implementing them into your routine. The practices we’ve outlined in this post can help you maintain your passion for nursing no matter what challenges come your way. What habit have you found helpful in keeping your love for nursing alive?
