Being a nurse comes with many stressors, from physically demanding shifts to mental exhaustion from a heavy workload. Unsurprisingly, many nurses eventually reach burnout and lose their spark for the profession. If you are struggling to stay motivated, here are some ideas for re-energizing nursing.

Keep a photo of your loved ones close

Do you have a printed photo of your significant other, family, or friends? Keep that within your reach always. Nothing quite like the people who matter the most in your life to remind you to keep going. Know that at the end of the day, you have them to go home to.

While a photo on your phone might be convenient, nothing beats a printed photo. You can put it near your desk or locker. 

Some stores allow you to customize jewelry like lockets and pendants or everyday items like mugs and coasters with pictures. If you’re feeling creative, have a personalized item with special photos and bring it to work.

Compliment your colleague

Always remember that your workmates are the closest thing you have to family in the work setting. They share your struggles and understand what you are going through. They are also the ones you can depend on when the going gets tough.

One of the best ideas for re-energizing the nursing profession is to give your fellow nurse a praise or two. Be generous when praising your colleagues, especially when they deserve the compliment. Words of affirmation are free, and they go a long way. You may not know, but a simple compliment might make someone’s day.

Enjoy your day off

Shifts are often long and tiring. By the time you arrive home, you are probably exhausted already to do other things. What you wish to do post-shift but don’t have energy for can still be done on your days off.

Make sure that you do not think about work during your free time. Instead, make the most out of it. Sleep when you can, eat your favorite food, stroll in the park, or spend time with your family. Remember that you deserve to rest and leisure after long shifts at the hospital or healthcare facility.

Respect others’ day off

As much as you enjoy your days off, you should also respect your colleague’s time off and let them enjoy theirs. They have a life outside of nursing too.

If possible, refrain from contacting them about work when they are off-duty. You wouldn't want to be bothered during your time, would you?

Set a positive mood

Remember that the mood of the employees can significantly affect the mood at the hospital. Happy colleagues tend to pass on the vibe, and they help cheer you up when you're feeling down. 

Similarly, unhappiness is contagious. When your fellow nurses in your station are unhappy, you might unknowingly absorb that negativity. This will drain you and make you question why you continue being a nurse.

That being said, carry an optimistic disposition as much as you can. If you can be the sunshine in your team, do so. If you have a colleague who brings joy to the team, say thank you and appreciate the positivity.

Have a self-care kit 

Your primary responsibility as a nurse in your hospital or healthcare facility is to take care of your patients. When you arrive home after your shift, it's the perfect time for you to give the same respect to yourself. Self-care is essential to prevent burnout.

Prepare a self-care kit for yourself with your favorite items. Include skin and body care products such as balms and scrubs. Put your favorite snacks and sweets that bring you joy. Have things you enjoy, such as copies of the movie or series you can't stop watching. Make it a happiness kit because you deserve to reward yourself.

Give your colleagues a self-care kit

If you can extend a self-care kit to your workmates, they will surely appreciate it. They will be happy to know someone is also looking out for them.

If you are a nurse supervisor or have people on your team, reward them for a job well done with self-care kits. These can include small things such as skin creams and scrubs, scented candles, snacks, and goodies. It does not hurt to show appreciation to the people who tirelessly work to give patients proper healthcare and treatment.

Use the power of aromatherapy

Feeling tired or stressed? Let aromatherapy help you. Have a tiny bottle of essential oils in the pocket of your scrubs for a quick fix.

Essential oils have different effects. Scents of lavender can calm you down, while citrus and peppermint can revitalize you. Some oils can help ease migraines and improve your sleep.

You can either enjoy the aroma from the bottle or put a few drops on your temples with a gentle massage.

Energize the nursing profession today

There are many ideas for re-energizing the nursing profession. Burnout is expected to happen, especially when there is so much workload. Remind yourself of the things and people that inspire you. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Spread that positivity to your colleagues by showing them appreciation and gratitude. If you can, be generous with words of affirmation and give small gifts too.