Personal Development and Taking Care Of Ourselves
As nurses, we are naturally compassionate and provide care for our patients when they may be at their most vulnerable, we put our patients first.
Often in the workplace we may forget about our own needs, most likely due to the nature of the day being busy.
Nurses are self sacrificing & during a challenging shift, we don’t always take our breaks or we stay back late after the shift has finished to complete work that needs catching up on.
Unfortunately, when we get home their is a whole heap of other issues in relation to our own lives, as life is busy at home as well, we do not always have the chance to take time out for ourselves. Or given the time to reflect, acknowledge and digest what has happened during the day and ‘life’ just takes over, but who is caring for our nurses?
What is Personal Development-
Personal development is a lifelong process and encompasses all the factors of a whole person such as health, social, psychological, emotional, financial & spirituality. It affects every facet of an individuals life.
Self Care and personal development seem to be interchangeable, but its important to remember the simple self-care strategies of not neglecting yourself, such as- eating well, getting some exercise, having good sleep habits, getting some sun, spending time in some fresh air, spend time with friends & loved ones or even spoiling yourself with a bit of indulgence- why not
Do things or activities that just make you happy by scheduling time for yourself each week.
“Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time and energy needed to develop yourself.”
– Denis Waitley
Nurses & Workplaces-
When at work, breaks are without a doubt a must, they help you to replenish with food and drink, reduce exhaustion and to be refreshed. In some ways its a physical and emotional recharge by taking a step back for a while.
As nurses it is important to recognise if you are becoming more stressed, reaching compassion fatigue or even burn out levels.
Support and guidance is available in most healthcare organisations, such as through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Nurses being happy, healthy and safe at work translates into-
- Longevity of career
- Career satisfaction
- Improved patient outcomes
- And, in turn home-life satisfaction
Growth and prioritising ourselves is super important, but only on a very few random occasions I’ve seen a group of nurses or even health professionals coming together in a small group to reflect, debrief, share concerns and to find strategies. This seems to strengthen everyones relationship and offers unity within a group of peers.
I wonder if any other workplaces foster a safe community where everyones efforts is acknowledged.
On conclusion, personal development on an individual level effects all of us at some point in our career, getting help from others is available and is important.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Nurse & Midwife Support- 1800 667 877
- Lifeline- 13 11 14
Take the small ‘wins’ and take of yourself first, Thanks for reading
To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do in spite of all we go through; that is to be a NURSE.
– Rawsi Williams