18 Comments:

• At March 10, 2009 at 2:08 PM ,  Shelley said...

  "I take my dog on a long walk and then once home drink a large glass of ice water to flush out any remaining stress hormones" Shelley,RN Pgh PA

   

• At March 12, 2009 at 12:28 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  Personally, I make sure I stay in contact with those I love the most during the week.
  
  My children and grandchildren all live out of town. A phone call to any one of my grandchildren always lifts my spirits. Their energy is contagious, even over the phone.
  
  -Kathy, Harper University Hospital

   

• At March 13, 2009 at 1:55 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I cope by listening to those who trust me enough to share their pain. Just by having someone open their heart to share the pure emotion, all of my stress seems to melt, and I find myself feeling very thankful and at peace with my life.
  Happy Patient Safety Week, to all!

   

• At March 13, 2009 at 3:13 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  My faith has carried me through my nursing career for 30 years and it has never failed me. Surrounding myself with my family and a few close friends has also been very important in coping.

   

• At March 14, 2009 at 4:41 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  As a pediatric nurse working in ICU and the Peds ER for over 25 years I have seen more than a life-time share of tragedy and sadness when children are severely injured or killed. I have found peace and the ability to return to work to face another day only through the faith I have in God. I try to pray every day. I especially pray during a code - for the doctors and nurses administering care to the child, and for the parents. I found taking a walk or a drive and being quiet with God - allows him to minister to my heart and heal me.
  
  Ann D. RN
  Copiague NY

   

• At March 14, 2009 at 4:42 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I think stress relief depends on the energy needed to be expelled or reserved.
  
  When I need to de-stress and calm down, walks in the forest and on the beach of Lake Michigan can be the best (especially with the dog). Other calming activities have included yoga, reading a novel by the fireplace, and cooking with family/friends.
  
  The other spectrum, of energy "release" needs, can be best met by a workout at the gym, working in the yard, cleaning the car or garage, and my favorite of all, is going out after work with a fun group of friends for munchies and cocktails. (try to do that every couple months!)
  
  Todd K. RN
  Holland, MI

   

• At March 16, 2009 at 10:08 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  Exercise always makes me feel best - I love riding my bicycle and get together w/ a co-worker that lives close-by. We'll get together and chat and ride at the same time.
  
  I belong to a hiking / biking group. If I can get to a hike or ride once a week, I'm happy. The rest of the time is spent walking my dog when I have time to get out.
  
  Dorothee K., Pittsburgh, PA

   

• At March 18, 2009 at 9:59 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I started exercising. Now to burn off stress I run. In fact, I am running my first 5K this spring. I am also a bit (45 lbs) lighter which is great too. I feel so much better now that I have consciously taken my stressors off of me.
  
  -Elizabeth, Michigan

   

• At March 19, 2009 at 9:49 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I recently started beading and I love to see what my imagination can create. I also have done scrapbooking for many years. I love to recall the memories of the event. I have recently been asked to teach scrapbooking to middle school age children who attend after school activities program.
  
  -Lori

   

• At March 21, 2009 at 6:30 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  As a pediatric nurse, some days are definately better than others. When the stress seems like it has taken over my life some strategies I used to cope include; having a good hearty belly laugh in the company of good friends, taking a trip to the playroom for some BINGO with the kids during a break, and rembering to step back for a minute to remembe WHY I am a nurse and what my purpose is.

   

• At March 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I love to sew-especially baby quilts or crafts. While I'm sewing, I'm thinking about the new baby-and am always amazed by the miracle of new life and I how I have the opportunity to touch "life" while I work. I am filled with wonder!

   

• At March 23, 2009 at 1:19 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  I'm an optimist and try to maintain that optimism while working in a "negative" or stressful environment. I like little quotes that I can hold onto. Sir Winston Leonard Spenser Churchill states" A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty". Thoughts like Churchill's keeps me going.
  
  Here is another one:
  "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure". - Bill Cosby
  
  -Laura S., Lewes, DE

   

• At March 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  I try to look for the humor in an otherwise difficult situation, to make myself and others laugh, and to remind us all to not take ourselves TOO seriously. Laughter IS the best medicine and a unifying force in the midst of stress.

   

• At March 25, 2009 at 4:03 AM ,  Anonymous said...

  Learning to de-stress, by spending time with my daughters or just me by reading a good book or going for a run with my dog. In my dream world every healthcare facility would have a gym and a message parlor to help encourage all healthcare workers to take a moment to de-stress so we can think clearly.
  
  -Kimberley S., RN
  Ontario, Canada

   

• At March 25, 2009 at 7:11 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  One of the things that I feel has the most impact on helping nurses to cope with the everyday stress is the fact that we are a team of professionals and when push comes to shove, stand together and help each other - basically we are each other's counselors. We openly discuss our feelings with our co-workers and cry together while giving each other hugs and letting each other know we are here and that we all understand what each other is going through. That kind of support is not felt in many other professions. We are a team of support and care for all!
  
  -Tracy N., RN, BSN, MSN
  Pittsburgh, PA

   

• At March 25, 2009 at 7:13 PM ,  Anonymous said...

  I think my staff is just the greatest. When our work life becomes very challenging I like to have lunch with the staff and catch up on what is happening in their home life. It does help maintain balance. We have mini "Lunch and Learns"; We lunch and learn that life does not have to be all serious.
  
  -Mary Ann
  Pittsburgh, PA

   

• At March 26, 2009 at 5:54 PM ,  Tamma said...

  Having spent most of my nursing career working Adult ICU, I find that staying "grounded" - literally helps keep me sane! I like to spend time outdoors - whether trout fishing on a beautiful stream or lake, working in my yard or garden, or just taking a walk really helps put things in perspective. I especially find sharing time and talking with my family helps maintain balance.

   

• At April 7, 2009 at 5:46 PM ,  Unknown said...

  I de-stress by dancing at least once or twice a week. I love dancing - it is something that helps keep me sane and gives me something to look forward to outside of work. One tip for work stress: Don't take things personally. If a patient/colleague/family member/MD snaps at you, its not you - they are stressed out too. I find laughing defuses the situation - it helps them relax. It also prevents me from getting angry - which would just escalate the situation. Yeah, don't take things personally is the best advice I've been given. I also vent to my nursing colleagues - it helps to know that other people are sharing your pain.

   

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