Before their shift, nurses may have unsettling feelings and thoughts. Whether you are a recent graduate from nursing school or an established professional. Nursing professionals frequently experience pre-shift anxiety, which can result in compassion fatigue and burnout. You might worry about making mistakes, getting bad feedback from patients, and feeling unqualified.
What exactly is pre-shift anxiety?
Pre-shift anxiety is the fear that nurses feel before a shift. Anticipatory anxiety is the term used to describe pre-shift anxiety, which can range from routine worry to more severe panic attacks and anxiety.
Pre-shift anxiety in nurses frequently stems from worries like the fear of making mistakes, handling complex patients, working with a staff that is understaffed, and witnessing a traumatic patient experience. Moreover, anxiety symptoms can frequently make getting ready for work difficult, adding to your stress as a nurse.
Knowing that you're not experiencing your feelings alone is crucial. In actuality, a lot of nurses report feeling anxious while driving to and from work. Here are some strategies for lowering stress before shifts.
Set Up a Routine
It is important to establish a routine. Go to bed early, and practice self-care, such as taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or consuming a hot beverage. You will be able to get a much better night's sleep if you are calm before bed. So that you can leave the next morning with less stress, prepare your outfit, lunch, and bag the night before.
Likewise, good mental health requires getting enough sleep. There is a strong likelihood that you will experience anticipatory anxiety the morning of your shift if you had a difficult night's sleep. To help reduce pre-shift stress, make sure you get enough sleep (typically 7 hours) before a shift.
Include regular exercise in your routine.
Stress reduction is greatly aided by exercise. Although it is difficult to completely eliminate stress in the nursing profession, you can learn to manage it. Exercise is a well-known remedy for anxiety and stress.
Whether it's a 15-minute yoga session during your lunch break or a pre-shift jog in the open air, exercising is a great way to take care of yourself. Anxiety has been shown to be decreased by even light exercise.
Make the commute to work inspiring
Your energy level and mood both influence how you react to stressful situations, but there are a few easy things you can do to intentionally improve your mood before work.
Consider compiling a list of motivational podcasts to listen to during your commute. You might also think about picking up a special treat that makes you feel loved and pampered on your way to work.
Make a playlist of songs that you know will improve your mood and sharpen your mind. While traveling to work, listen to it. It has been demonstrated that music boosts energy and productivity.
Mindfulness Training Through Meditation
Stress and anxiety management techniques like mindfulness meditation may be helpful. The practice of mindfulness, which is defined as being completely present in the moment and accepting of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations without passing judgment, is combined with traditional meditation in mindfulness meditation. By relaxing your body and mind, slowing down your racing thoughts, and reducing negativity, this meditation technique can help you calm your mind and body.
Many nurses have found these suggestions helpful throughout their clinical and work shifts. Hoping these suggestions will help you get through your shift. Simply keep your career goal and motivating factors in mind, and approach each day with a positive outlook.
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