Authors

  1. Burkett, Lynn D. MBA, BSN, RN, ONC

Article Content

Happy 2021 and I sincerely hope this will be a forgiving year for us all. I am determined to think and act positive this coming year. I can count more blessings in my life rather than dwell on the negative. As I look forward to 2021, health and wellness are going to be my key phrases for this year.

  
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Nurses are the best at caring for others, whether it is your family, friends, or patients. However, we are not so great at taking care of ourselves. One of your resolutions for the new year can be exactly that-caring for yourself. Each time I have flown, I hear the message, use the oxygen mask on yourself first then tend to your children or others. I don't have to tell you how important that message is because we all know it. Let's put that message into our caring as well. Care for yourself first!

 

One of the partnerships NAON made a few months ago is Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation (HNHN). Notice how nurse is before nation. If the nurse is healthy, then it follows we can guide the nation to health. If you have not joined, please consider doing so. It doesn't take a lot of time. You can be involved as much as you are able. I have joined a few challenges that are pertinent to my health. I am excited to be part of a group that knows the pitfalls we experience. There are some wonderful suggestions to incorporate into your daily routine.

 

Did you know that registered nurses have the fourth highest rate of injuries and illnesses that result in days away from work when compared with all other occupations? The 2016 American Nurses Association's Health Risk Appraisal surveyed more than 10,000 responses and found 51% reported some form of musculoskeletal pain at work. Most of the respondents were familiar with the workplace safety guidelines, but only 51% used safe patient handling and mobility technology. Naturally, we can relate to doing more in our daily routines with fewer resources, putting each of us and our colleagues, not to mention our patients, at risk.

 

If the thought of logging on to the HNHN website is unappealing to you, think about doing some minor changes to improve your health. It is more important to make small changes over a longer stretch than to try to tackle too many things at once, resulting in discouragement. Set your priorities to what is most important to you. Be kind to yourself.

 

I am trying to eat healthier and found a suggestion of making a big fresh fruit salad and having that for breakfast or for the first break in the day. It is certainly healthier than a pastry or candy bar and helps meet the goal of five servings of fruits and vegetables. Another suggestion is to plan-Create a menu for the week, shop for those things on your menu, and do some food prep ahead. This is a tried and true tip. I used to employ this tactic when I was a young working mom, shuttling children to practices, etc., and trying to provide healthy meals to my family. If you have children at home, enlist their help. Each one of my three got to choose a day to plan a meal. There were certain things that had to be included such as one vegetable. We also had one day where we would order pizza or go out to dinner.

 

Take some time to pamper yourself too. Start with making sure you are hydrated. It bears repeating that with masks, face shields, etc., our skin is taking a hit. As part of your nightly routine, make sure you are washing your face with a good cleanser and moisturizing. Rest. I know it is difficult, especially with all the extra tasks many of you have. Sleep is so important and how we restore ourselves. There are a plethora of sleep articles and studies. Sleep hygiene recommendations include a regular sleep schedule; avoiding stimulants before bedtime; avoiding electronic devices before bedtime; exercise regularly but not too close to bedtime; establish a sleep environment-a cool, dark, quiet room with comfortable mattress, pillows, and linens.

 

Understandably, the past year has been taxing for everyone, particularly those in healthcare and caring for patients. Take care of your mental health and spirit. With limited social events, it is easy to feel isolated and fall into depression. Use technology to stay in touch with family and friends. My oldest son lives in Washington State and I have not seen him since October 2019. We text, Zoom, and phone. It isn't the same, but it is easier than sending letters back and forth. Consider meditation, yoga, or just disconnecting from everything for 5 minutes a day to give yourself a break. Think of your commute to work. You can use those minutes to do some deep breathing, listen to soothing music or sing out loud to favorite tunes, practice some isometric exercises, or just enjoy the quiet.

 

I love music, especially classic rock. When a song comes on my playlist that is upbeat, I find myself up and dancing around the house. It is a great way to get some exercise and feel good too. If you have little ones, they love to join in and dance too! Plan a family dance time a few times a week. Easy way to spend some time with your children and get some exercise.

 

While the past events have affected all of us, each of us is individual with how we are coping. Remember too that as nurses, we want to fix a problem. Reach out to colleagues who might be struggling; we can teach and support one another. Don't forget your colleagues through NAON either. Join a chapter or affiliate in your area. If there isn't one, consider starting one with your coworkers. Join in as a group to view a webinar. Remember as members you can access past webinars and earn credit up to a year after it was presented. If you need a refresher on Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Algorithms, they are available on NAON's website. Share with your colleagues, protecting each other.

 

I encourage you to share some of your tips to maintain your physical and mental health as the year unfolds. Let's make this a positive year and use that oxygen first on ourselves before we tend to others.

 

A very Happy New Year to you-Blessings for a fantastic 2021 to you and your families.

 

Stay strong, stay safe. We are NAON proud!

 

Reference

 

American Nurses Association. (2016). Executive summary: American Nurses Association health risk appraisal. http://www.nursingworld.org/~495c56/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/healthy-nurse[Context Link]