December 18, 2017: I read an interesting article by Nicole Vienneau on 8 simple ways nurses can build resilience and improve presence. This applies to everyone!
- Pin up a photo of a loved one and/or pet at your computer or work station. This reminds us of the purpose behind our work.
- Consider placing a vial of essential oil in your pocket. Citrus or peppermint revitalizes while lavender or frankincense helps calm.
- Show gratitude and appreciation for a colleague. Write a quick note or surprise them with a piece of their favorite candy or treat.
- Be like a butterfly. Fly away from conversations that involve gossip and negativity and land on conversations that are positive. Great people talk about ideas, not other people.
- Incorporate a healing ritual into your practice. Use washing your hands as a time to reflect on the present moment and wash away anxiety or fear.
- Carry a favorite keepsake in your pocket. When you feel overwhelmed, take it out and use it to remind yourself of positive recollections.
- Create your own power pose. When overwhelmed or irritated, step into the break room, plant your feet wide and hold your arms above your head. Hold this position and breathe in and out. This helps you redirect your emotions.
- Use moments of skill to infuse hope into your patients. When you hang an IV bag, infuse hope into your patient as well.
We may not have control over every situation but we do have control over how we respond. It’s important to build our own tool box of coping strategies to keep us healthy.
– Janet Leatherwood, CNO