5 answers
Taylor
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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Registered Nurses, how stressful does your day to day life get Is it easy to manage stress or hard??
High School student looking for advice.
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5 answers
L. M.
RN
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
L.’s Answer
Nursing doesn't have to be stressful. There so many low stress nursing jobs. I personally do Home Health and it is low stress.
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great question and insights! Let's start by acknowledging that stress is a personal experience, varying from person to person and situation to situation. The healthcare field is no stranger to stress, given its inherent nature of caring for people, managing anxious families and visitors, and interacting with colleagues. However, it's important to remember that stress is a part of every job. Whether you're operating a cash register and ensuring the correct amount of money, is present or given, or working in a business with tight deadlines, stress is there. The role of your supervisor can also significantly impact your stress levels, making your day either more enjoyable or more challenging.
In nursing, the level of stress can fluctuate greatly based on your work environment. For instance, in a critical care setting, stress is a constant companion, despite your best efforts, a patient can still deteriorate. Similarly, in an office, unexpected issues can lead to stress. During the Covid crisis, stress was a daily reality for all healthcare professionals due to the influx of patients, fear-stricken patients and their families, isolation protocols, shortage of supplies, and an overall chaotic environment.
Thankfully, that phase has passed and we hope it won't return anytime soon. But let's not forget, stress is a part of every job. When your workday ends, you have the choice to either carry the stress home or leave it behind at work. Having a supportive network of people who understand your experiences can be a priceless resource. So, remember, no matter where you work or what you do, stress is a part of life, but it's how you manage it that truly matters.
In nursing, the level of stress can fluctuate greatly based on your work environment. For instance, in a critical care setting, stress is a constant companion, despite your best efforts, a patient can still deteriorate. Similarly, in an office, unexpected issues can lead to stress. During the Covid crisis, stress was a daily reality for all healthcare professionals due to the influx of patients, fear-stricken patients and their families, isolation protocols, shortage of supplies, and an overall chaotic environment.
Thankfully, that phase has passed and we hope it won't return anytime soon. But let's not forget, stress is a part of every job. When your workday ends, you have the choice to either carry the stress home or leave it behind at work. Having a supportive network of people who understand your experiences can be a priceless resource. So, remember, no matter where you work or what you do, stress is a part of life, but it's how you manage it that truly matters.
Rosario Albarracin
Nursing
1
Answer
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Rosario’s Answer
I totally agree with Martin and John. I would like to add that the stress which comes from helping other is worth it. The most rewarding profession is nursing.
Even if I were a doctor I would not feel as satisfied as I would as a nurse, being by the patient's side at every moment of the process of their illness and healing.
Stress is part of every profession, but if you work with your heart, loving what you are doing it feels like passion...no like stress.
Even if I were a doctor I would not feel as satisfied as I would as a nurse, being by the patient's side at every moment of the process of their illness and healing.
Stress is part of every profession, but if you work with your heart, loving what you are doing it feels like passion...no like stress.
Joyce Githiomi
critical care nurse,prehospital trauma life support medic
2
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Joyce’s Answer
Time management: Streamlining tasks, assigning responsibilities where suitable, and keeping a well-organized schedule can help reduce stress levels.
Self-care: Participating in non-work related activities that boost physical and mental health, such as exercising, pursuing hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends, is crucial for stress management.
Seeking support: Building connections with coworkers, mentors, or support groups provides nurses an avenue to share experiences, seek guidance, and gain a fresh perspective on difficult situations.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can aid nurses in remaining focused and composed amidst their busy work schedules.
Continuing education: Staying abreast with the latest developments in nursing practices through continuous education and professional development can enhance confidence and alleviate stress related to feeling ill-equipped or inadequate.
Though nursing can be challenging and stressful, it is often found to be immensely satisfying and rewarding by many nurses. By adopting efficient stress management strategies and prioritizing self-care, nurses can effectively handle the demands of their profession while maintaining their overall well-being.
Self-care: Participating in non-work related activities that boost physical and mental health, such as exercising, pursuing hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends, is crucial for stress management.
Seeking support: Building connections with coworkers, mentors, or support groups provides nurses an avenue to share experiences, seek guidance, and gain a fresh perspective on difficult situations.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can aid nurses in remaining focused and composed amidst their busy work schedules.
Continuing education: Staying abreast with the latest developments in nursing practices through continuous education and professional development can enhance confidence and alleviate stress related to feeling ill-equipped or inadequate.
Though nursing can be challenging and stressful, it is often found to be immensely satisfying and rewarding by many nurses. By adopting efficient stress management strategies and prioritizing self-care, nurses can effectively handle the demands of their profession while maintaining their overall well-being.
John Shimer
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Centerville, Ohio
Updated
John’s Answer
Hello Taylor,
Being a nurse can be very stressful. Depending on what type of unit you are working on. I work in the Emergency Department and there can be days where the stress level is a 50 out of 10, and then there are other days where it is a 1 out of 10. When you first start out, it can be challenging to manage the stress, but the more experience you have, you will find different ways of managing the stress. Often, your co-workers are the ones who help you manage the stress. There are groups that I have worked with that would go out to breakfast after working all night, or they would go to the gym and work out after a stressful day.
There is no textbook answer on how to handle/manage stress. Everyone has different ways of handling it. Some like to work out, others like to read, others like to listen to music or journal. You have to find out what works best for you. With all of the years I have spent in the Emergency Room, there has been nothing that is as rewarding than helping a patient in need.
Being a nurse can be very stressful. Depending on what type of unit you are working on. I work in the Emergency Department and there can be days where the stress level is a 50 out of 10, and then there are other days where it is a 1 out of 10. When you first start out, it can be challenging to manage the stress, but the more experience you have, you will find different ways of managing the stress. Often, your co-workers are the ones who help you manage the stress. There are groups that I have worked with that would go out to breakfast after working all night, or they would go to the gym and work out after a stressful day.
There is no textbook answer on how to handle/manage stress. Everyone has different ways of handling it. Some like to work out, others like to read, others like to listen to music or journal. You have to find out what works best for you. With all of the years I have spent in the Emergency Room, there has been nothing that is as rewarding than helping a patient in need.