Mindfulness

I had heard this term recently and looked into what mindfulness meant.  What I have discovered is another tool that nurses can use to help them with their stress. Mindfulness is similar to meditation but  this article below talks about mindfulness-based stress reduction.  I found it very interesting and plan to see what I can do to use this to help not only myself but my patients. 

Penny

Simpson, J., & Mapel, T. (2012). Focusing on the moment brings mental and physical relief. Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, 18(8), 14-16

Meditation

One way that I have found to be relaxing and help with relieving stress is meditation.  As Raingruber and Robinson (2007) note in their study stress that is associated with working long, varied shifts, and taking care of extremely complex patients can lead to turnover.  Frequent turnover and demanding workloads are things noted to diminish the quality of our work environments.  As Brathovde (2006) notes, nurses do not practice regular self-care and take care of themselves.  Meditation is a good, easy and economical way we can do this.  In the study by Raingruber and Robinson (2007), practicing meditation decreases burnout and stress related health problems.  Meditation also helps you sleep better, have increased problem solving skills, feel more refreshed and cope with the hectic work environment.  Do you use some form of meditation?  If so what has been your experience since doing meditation?  How exactly do you do your meditation?

Brathovde, A. (2006).  A pilot study: Reiki for self-care of nurses and healthcare providers. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(2), 95-1102
Raingruber, B., & Robinson, C. (2007). The effectiveness of Tai chi, Yoga, meditation, and Reiki healing sessions in promoting health and enhancing problem solving abilities of registered nurses. Issues in Mental Health, 28, 1141-1155. doi: 10.1080/01612840701581255

Welcome to my blog

Welcome everyone to Caring for Nurses.  This blog is intended to be a site where nurses can go to and share ways to care for themselves as nurses.  I have added some links to some sites I find helpful.  I would dare to say that the reasons we became nurses is to care for other people.  As the healthcare industry has changed and is constantly changing, the demands placed on nurses to simply care for their patients is sometimes overwhelming.  Therefore, we need to make sure we are doing things to take care of our mind, body and soul.  Please share stories, articles, or what you do to care for yourself as a nurse.   I hope you enjoy!

Penny