- Email: [email protected]
Celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week by taking time to focus on self-care
PERIOP BRIEFING
EDITORIAL
Celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week by taking time to focus on self-care Lisa Hauk, Managing Editor
N
ursing can be a physically and emotionally demanding job,1 one that requires empathy, resiliency, and constant personal replenishment.2 It is, therefore, imperative that nurses take time to focus on their own health and well-being.1,2 Perioperative Nurse Week, which is Nov. 12-18, not only provides an opportunity to celebrate perioperative nurses’ commitment and expertise, but it also gives nurses an opportunity to embrace self-care practices that can renew their energy, drive, and compassion.2 Self-care strategies to improve overall heath and obtain an optimal work-life balance may be particularly helpful in addressing the work stress and burnout nurses can experience.1,3 An optimal worklife balance can result in reduced fatigue, better work performance, greater professional satisfaction, improved thinking and memory, fewer health problems, and a greater ability to cope with stress. Reducing stress can, in turn, positively affect sleep, digestion, energy, mood, and overall health.1,4 In addition, by caring for themselves first, nurses can also improve their ability to provide the best quality care to their patients.1,5
Self-care strategies Maintaining self-care does not have to require a significant amount of time. Practical strategies can be incorporated throughout the day that can result in less stress and improved physical, mental, and emotional health.2 For physical well-being, using a fitness app or device can help focus on taking a targeted number of steps each day, and drinking from a large water container while at work may help with tracking intake and getting the appropriate daily amount.6,7 Methods for improving mental self-care include venting to a friend or proclaiming a “fun day” filled with enjoyable and rewarding activities.2,8 Emotional health can be addressed with spending http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0001-2092(17)30952-3
P4 | Periop Briefing
time in nature or performing a random act of kindness.2,6 Meditation and volunteering are options for spiritual self-care. Choosing a mentor or writing a note to a loved one may be helpful for practicing self-care in relationships, and eliminating unnecessary appointments and creating a support network can address self-care related to choices.2,6,8
Conclusion During this year’s Perioperative Nurse Week, I encourage nurses to celebrate by taking a moment to focus on themselves. Whether it is changing eating or exercise habits or planning a vacation, identifying self-care strategies that work for their lifestyle can benefit them throughout the year. References 1. Fencl JL, Grant D. Self-care promotes safer patient care. AORN J. 2017;105(5):506-509. 2. Richards K. The practice of self-care to prevent burnout and create the optimal healing environment. In: Ulrich B. Mastering Precepting. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International; 2012:233-244. 3. Hyman SA, Michaels DR, Berry JM, Schildcrout JS, Mercaldo ND, Weinger MB. Risk of burnout in perioperative clinicians: a survey study and literature review. Anesthesiology. 2011;114(1):194-204. 4. Sonnentag S. Psychological detachment from work during leisure time. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2012;21(2):114-118. 5. Kushner J, Ruffin T. Empowering a healthy practice environment. Nurs Clin North Am. 2015;50(1):167-183. 6. Richards K, Sheen E, Mazzer MC. Self-Care and You: Caring for the Caregiver. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association; 2014. 7. Crane PJ, Ward SF. Self-healing and self-care for nurses. AORN J. 2016;104(5):386-400. 8. Uustal DB. The ultimate balance: caring for yourself—caring for others. Orthop Nurs. 1992;11(3):11-15.
EDITORIAL
Celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week by taking time to focus on self-care Lisa Hauk, Managing Editor
N
ursing can be a physically and emotionally demanding job,1 one that requires empathy, resiliency, and constant personal replenishment.2 It is, therefore, imperative that nurses take time to focus on their own health and well-being.1,2 Perioperative Nurse Week, which is Nov. 12-18, not only provides an opportunity to celebrate perioperative nurses’ commitment and expertise, but it also gives nurses an opportunity to embrace self-care practices that can renew their energy, drive, and compassion.2 Self-care strategies to improve overall heath and obtain an optimal work-life balance may be particularly helpful in addressing the work stress and burnout nurses can experience.1,3 An optimal worklife balance can result in reduced fatigue, better work performance, greater professional satisfaction, improved thinking and memory, fewer health problems, and a greater ability to cope with stress. Reducing stress can, in turn, positively affect sleep, digestion, energy, mood, and overall health.1,4 In addition, by caring for themselves first, nurses can also improve their ability to provide the best quality care to their patients.1,5
Self-care strategies Maintaining self-care does not have to require a significant amount of time. Practical strategies can be incorporated throughout the day that can result in less stress and improved physical, mental, and emotional health.2 For physical well-being, using a fitness app or device can help focus on taking a targeted number of steps each day, and drinking from a large water container while at work may help with tracking intake and getting the appropriate daily amount.6,7 Methods for improving mental self-care include venting to a friend or proclaiming a “fun day” filled with enjoyable and rewarding activities.2,8 Emotional health can be addressed with spending http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0001-2092(17)30952-3
P4 | Periop Briefing
time in nature or performing a random act of kindness.2,6 Meditation and volunteering are options for spiritual self-care. Choosing a mentor or writing a note to a loved one may be helpful for practicing self-care in relationships, and eliminating unnecessary appointments and creating a support network can address self-care related to choices.2,6,8
Conclusion During this year’s Perioperative Nurse Week, I encourage nurses to celebrate by taking a moment to focus on themselves. Whether it is changing eating or exercise habits or planning a vacation, identifying self-care strategies that work for their lifestyle can benefit them throughout the year. References 1. Fencl JL, Grant D. Self-care promotes safer patient care. AORN J. 2017;105(5):506-509. 2. Richards K. The practice of self-care to prevent burnout and create the optimal healing environment. In: Ulrich B. Mastering Precepting. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International; 2012:233-244. 3. Hyman SA, Michaels DR, Berry JM, Schildcrout JS, Mercaldo ND, Weinger MB. Risk of burnout in perioperative clinicians: a survey study and literature review. Anesthesiology. 2011;114(1):194-204. 4. Sonnentag S. Psychological detachment from work during leisure time. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2012;21(2):114-118. 5. Kushner J, Ruffin T. Empowering a healthy practice environment. Nurs Clin North Am. 2015;50(1):167-183. 6. Richards K, Sheen E, Mazzer MC. Self-Care and You: Caring for the Caregiver. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association; 2014. 7. Crane PJ, Ward SF. Self-healing and self-care for nurses. AORN J. 2016;104(5):386-400. 8. Uustal DB. The ultimate balance: caring for yourself—caring for others. Orthop Nurs. 1992;11(3):11-15.