Self-Care for nurses that takes inspiration from professional athletes

Eryn Greene — There’s no doubt that working as a nurse can be stressful at times. However, a study published last year in the Clinical Nurse Specialist journal found that depressive symptoms are twice as likely to strike nurses as the general population. Nurses who are struggling might experience symptoms like decreased productivity, plus put patients at risk. Additionally, some studies have found that nurses are more likely to have higher body mass index numbers, especially if they often work fluctuating shifts.

A method for change

Anyone who is preparing for a career in nursing almost certainly has to prepare for high-pressure environments and the possibility of working odd hours. With that in mind, Ohio State University has a new program aimed at helping nurses thrive through the challenges of their chosen vocation.

Known as the Health Athlete/Nurse Athlete program, it's based on the Corporate Athlete Course, a method offered by two psychologists who worked with Olympic athletes. Specifically, it focuses on ways to improve energy and boost a person's quality of life in the process.

In 2001, downhill skier Picabo Street chronicled her preparations for high-profile events in the face of injuries, illness and other setbacks. However, she also went into detail about many of the sacrifices that she and other Olympians face during their chase for a gold medal. Everything from diets to training schedules to therapeutic massages is carefully planned out. To an athlete, self-care is an essential part of daily life, and nurses can learn from that approach, too.

What's involved?

Available as either a two or two-and-a-half day course, the Heath Athlete/Nurse Athlete workshop assesses each participant and encourages the idea that by taking simple steps to manage energy through strategies like nutrition and exercise, it's possible to make positive and lasting changes that improve health outcomes and can make a person able to work more effectively.

Program leaders also make it easier for participants to take skills home with them by including exercise resistance bands, guidelines about packing a nutritious lunch, and tips on how to gauge potential health risks. These real world topics are easy for nurses to rely upon once they return home. Plus, since all workshop attendees get resistance bands and are trained to use them before the completion of the course, they'll be on track to maintain a healthier lifestyle that includes vigorous exercise.

Yes, it's okay to take a breather

The fast pace of many nursing shifts makes it hard for some employees to find a moment to use the restroom, let alone relax during a lunch break. However, the Nurse Athlete/Health Athlete program aims to change mindsets by suggesting that taking small breaks throughout the day can make someone a more valuable asset to the nursing team.

At first, nurses might feel that taking a break is counterproductive, but often end up discovering that short breaks help them keep their productivity consistently high so they get more done than they would have by not taking a break at all. Since injuries are more likely during cases of overexertion, that's an even more compelling reason to pause for a moment to regroup. Even Olympic athletes allow themselves to take occasional breaks, especially when the pressure is extremely high.

The OSU program invites nurses to adopt the attitude of Olympic athletes and learn that self-care is an essential part of being able to work at one’s best. Arm yourself against the usual stresses of the nursing industry and remember that you’ll be able to excel at caring for others when you take care of yourself first.

 

About the Author

Eryn Greene writes educational articles that offer insight into professional opportunities and self care within the medical profession, as this article offers.