Nurses act as the backbone of the healthcare system by taking care of hundreds of patients flocking the floors of a healthcare facility. Doctors and other healthcare professionals could never respond to the patients and cure their illnesses if nurses were not there. So, because of nurses, healthcare facilities stay afloat, ready to help people with various physical and mental conditions.
However, just like you need to take care of your backbone to help it in its endeavors to support your body, nurses need to be healthy and happy too to do their job effectively. Physically and mentally tired nurses will cause harm to themselves and others because there is no chance of making even a tiny mistake in the profession of nurses.
After all, patients depend on them for their lives. Simple neglect can cost someone their life, a lifelong injury, or prolong their recovery.
Therefore, as much as the hospital needs to have skilled nurses onboard, it is equally important to ensure they are well in all aspects—mentally, physically, and emotionally. But the reality is that it is not just the job of a hospital administration, but nurses need to take measures to improve their health and well-being.
How education brings health and wellness to nurses?
Interestingly, getting a boost in their education also elevates feelings of well-being for some people. They often try to shape their social identity with better education and skills by framing their discernment of themselves and their people.
This positive affirmative social identity results in better health, improved social interactions, and reduced stressors. Nurses are not immune to the health and wellness effects of education. This might be why nurses are inclined to enroll in remote higher education courses like online dnp programs without clinicals, MSN, or BSN leading to the DNP program.
They aim to fast-track their educational development, diversify their options to improve their social standings and opt for more meaningful leadership roles. The online mode of these programs further ceases the need for taking offline classes or quitting their service in healthcare. Other ways that nurses can promote their health and well-being include the following.
- Never skip meals
A nurse’s job is very demanding, both mentally and physically. Therefore, it is nothing more than self-inflicted harm if you skip your meals too. You might give an excuse that finding time for a meal during work hours is difficult.
To some extent, the claim is valid; a nurse is called from all directions and might be tending to many patients simultaneously. However, you have to make sure to take 30 minutes out for quick healthy meals. Moreover, you can also keep snacks or healthy bars to munch on the go.
When you skip your meals, your body goes into fasting mode and uses less efficient energy sources. It can drop your blood sugar level and impact your concentration span, ultimately affecting the quality and efficiency of your work.
You may also feel persistent fatigue, dropping your vigor to do your patient care duties. Moreover, binging on a single big meal loaded with calories can overwhelm your body which is not prepared to handle this much nutritional stress. Instead, you must take small meals a few times a day to divide your nutrition load over the entire day.
- Consume ample water
Water intake is another essential need of your body. You need to keep your body hydrated so it performs its functions properly. Proper hydration is also important to promote digestion, efficient bowel movements, blood circulation, and body temperature regulation. A decrease in water intake results in dry and chapped lips and skin, lethargy, weak heart, increased body temperature, and fatigue. Try to drink at least two liters of water in a day. You can also take decaffeinated drinks and juices. But make sure the latter is not loaded with sugar.
- Include exercise in your routine
Exercise has various health benefits for your body and mind. It keeps your body flexible, allowing you to perform your job, which often requires you to be physically strong. Moreover, it improves blood circulation and mood, reduces stress, and revitalizes your body. If you work out frequently, your body tunes with it, and you no longer feel exhaustion. Exercise also improves sleep quality and counters insomnia.
A study found that healthcare centers that provide frequent access to exercise programs and onsite gym facilities can prevent burnout in their staff. So, if your employer also provides this opportunity, it is always better for your health and well-being to reap the benefits of such programs.
- Don’t overindulge in caffeinated drinks
People are often found vouching for caffeinated drinks because of their ability to induce alertness. While there is nothing wrong with this claim, overdosing on these drinks or consuming those within four hours of your bedtime can lead to insomnia and act as a cardiac stimulant. With improper sleep, you won’t be ready to take on your responsibilities in the hospital. Therefore, even if you are fond of trying new beverages, check their caffeine content in the ingredients section first.
Conclusion
A nurse’s job requires them to be healthy, happy, and alert all the time. Therefore, you need to take steps to maintain a healthy living style.
Taking healthy and proper meals allows you to focus on your job, replenish your energy, and provide essential nutrients to your body. On the other hand, adding a healthy share of physical activity to your routine keeps you alert, improves your flexibility and reflexes.