How to Manage Anxiety as a Nurse
To provide quality care while feeling good in the workplace, it is important to develop strategies to cope with stress and manage anxiety. Before being able to take care of others, you must first focus on yourself. Our team has prepared some tips to help you master your anxiety!
Our tips for managing anxiety as a nurse
The simplest solutions are sometimes the most effective
When a situation becomes too stressful, you can always try to take a break to calm down.
If stress overwhelms you, try deep breathing. This technique is simple: it involves inhaling deeply through the nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, then exhaling slowly through the mouth. Take several breaths to regulate your nervous system and reduce your anxiety.
Take advantage of your free time to really disconnect from work and engage in activities that will allow you to unplug from work. For example, clear your head by going for walks or exercising.
Stress management from one of our nurses in the Far North
During mandates, even though we take the time with each patient, the days can be long and tiring. We therefore asked Jessica, one of our nurses who is used to the North, to share with us some of her valuable stress management techniques. According to her, the key is to have a good lifestyle:
A morning routine: Every morning, before starting her day, Jessica meditates, stretches, and does journaling. This allows her to take a moment for herself and start the day on the right foot, more zen and more positive.
Physical activity: A walk, yoga, or daily stretching can help release tension and provide a sense of well-being.
Spend time outdoors: Whether it's a walk in the forest or by the water, being in contact with nature is always very beneficial.
Take breaks: When possible, taking time to do nothing is essential to recharge your batteries.
Prioritize sleep: Quality rest is essential for managing stress.
Limit caffeine consumption: Consuming less coffee can help reduce anxiety and promote better relaxation.
And finally, Jessica's favorite, animal-assisted therapy: There are many dogs in the North. Taking the time to walk, play with them, or pet them always feels good.
Your colleagues are your best allies
Whether during shifts at the hospital or during a mandate, your colleagues are your best support. They are the only ones who know and understand the reality of your job and the situations you face with your patients. In the Far North, solidarity is an important value: at all times, you will find valuable help and reliable people you can count on.
To improve your practice in complex situations, you can solicit feedback from your nurse and doctor colleagues. You can also discuss situations that cause you anxiety with your colleagues. This will help you evolve in your work, be more effective, and optimize your way of working.
Choosing Nordik
When you are part of the Premier Soin Nordik team, you benefit from advantages that help reduce stress and anxiety. You will be able to have flexible schedules that facilitate your daily life as well as access to training such as the expanded role training that allows you to advance in your career.
When you work for Premier Soin Nordik, our 24/7 telephone helpline is available to provide you with a human approach. If you are in a state of mental distress, there will always be someone to listen to you. You can talk to real people who understand your difficulties and will help you find solutions together. Don't hesitate to contact us at any time, we are here to support you.
Finding mandates in the Far North also allows a return to the source. As an agency, Premier Soin Nordik offers you different types of mandates in the northern communities. Thus, you could work in remote areas in James Bay, Nunavik or on the Haute-Côte-Nord.
During the mandates, you will meet the Indigenous communities. Despite the possible cultural shock, it is a unique opportunity to discover a new way of life. The duration of the contracts is generally a minimum of four weeks. It is not uncommon to see nurses choose longer periods to explore and visit different communities.
Is it for you? Apply now!