Stressful situation for nurses and how to manage it

having to do 'non-nursing' tasks; this giving proper nursing care

need to 'care for the caregiver' (take a break?) wasn't often respected (breaks might be scheduled, but not supported)

not often getting a full break without interruption (patients have needs 24/7)

needing to work weekends, rotating shifts and holidays

my supervisors needed to answer to management; they usually didn't represent my interests

criticism of anything was NEVER constructive

safety; every day exposed to illnesses, some life-threatening

need I go on?

however, there were wonderful rewards

managing this stress:

tell over-bearing physicians to speak with you NOT in front of patients

vent to other nurses; when I did staff work, this wasn't done

care for the caregiver:

learn relaxation techniques

progressive muscle relaxation

visual imagery

focus on your breathing

yoga

regular exercise

do something for YOU regularly

listen to relaxing music

be confident in your knowledge