I need your help. We’ve been struggling with something here at the Josie King Foundation. Here’s the deal: we are creating a toolkit for nurses, something that will help nurses cope with the stresses of the job, something that will make their days a little better, something that will let them know how much we appreciate them. I know lots and lots of nurses. I’ve seen them at work in hospitals around the country. I’d like to think that I sort of have a notion as to what it must be like to be a nurse, but the truth of the matter is- I don’t REALLY know.
So, I am asking all of you wonderful nurses to help. Here’s what I’m looking for: quick tips on how to cope with the challenges of being a nurse. What do you do that helps you do your job well? What have you discovered that helps you deal with stress? It could be anything like:
- “Once a week I buy fresh flowers to put in the nurses’ snack room.” – Sandy K., RN, Grand Rapids, MI
- “When I come home after a long day on the job, I like to bake cookies with my eight-year-old.” – Sue S., RN, BSN, Tampa, FL
- “I just started walking for forty minutes every day with my neighbor. It really helps clear my head, and my jeans fit a little better.” – Tamara M., RN, Houston, TX
Please post your tried and true tips below. You can also email your tips to nursing@josieking.org. We want to collect and share your great ideas with other nurses. If you would like to, please include your city and state, too.
I’ll be sure to share updates on this project as it progresses, but right now we need as many tips as possible from nurses. Spread the word to your nursing friends and colleagues, and have them post their tips, too.
Thanks so much for your help with this, and for all of your hard work with patients,
Sorrel