If there is one word commonly associated with the nursing profession, it’s stress. In fact, one recent study found an overwhelming 92 percent of nurses are experiencing moderate-to-very high stress levels.

<div>
 
 If there is one word commonly associated with the nursing profession,
 it&rsquo;s stress. In fact, one recent
 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5108847/">study</a>
 found an overwhelming 92 percent of nurses are experiencing moderate-to-very
 high stress levels. Cross Country Medical Staffing Network (CCMSN) also
 recently explored a range of issues important to nurses in our Nurses Week
 survey. When asked the one thing nurses would change about the profession,
 &ldquo;make it less stressful to work as a nurse&rdquo; was the top
 response.
 

 
 So, how can you decrease the physical and mental stress that comes with long
 shifts, fatigue, heavy workloads and patient loss? We&rsquo;ve identified
 four common stressors that nurses face day in and day out and provide you
 some ways you can destress.
 

 Physical Demands 

 
 Physical burnout is very common among nurses, particularly given the
 constant lifting, bending, changing shifts and long hours. In addition to
 the wear and tear on your body, nurses are often exposed to infections or
 germs which can increase the risk of falling ill. To help ward off the
 physical stress of the job, make sure to protect your body by staying
 healthy.
 

 <ul>
 <li>
 
 Maintain a healthy diet with regularly scheduled meals whenever
 possible. Drink lots of water or other healthy liquids.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Stay in top physical condition by using a fitness center or gym, or
 simply take walks or the stairs during your breaks. Exercising is proven
 to reduce stress and elevate your mood.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Stress and worry can interrupt your sleep cycle, leading to fatigue and
 even more stress. Stop this cycle by establishing a routine sleep
 schedule and stick to it.
 
 </li>
 </ul>

 Emotional Challenges

 
 Emotions can run high in nursing, from co-workers to interactions with
 patients and their families. Not to mention the difficulties associated with
 a dying patient. Often, emotions can cloud your mental focus and lead to
 unproductivity and potentially mistakes. If you feel yourself overwhelmed
 with emotions, consider learning relaxation techniques to help you manage
 your feelings.
 

 <ul>
 <li>
 
 Slow, deep and easy breathing is among the most effective stress
 reducers. It is a rhythmic activity that causes a release of endorphins,
 similar to exercise, that make you feel calmer. Breathe in through the
 nose and out through the mouth, slowly and deeply.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Choose a positive-thinking friend, co-worker or family member to talk
 about any emotional challenges you may be facing. This can help put it
 all in perspective and reduce your feelings of stress.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Laugh if you can. Laughter cuts tension and can lift your spirits. Try
 using humor when appropriate to defray emotionally-draining moments.
 
 </li>
 </ul>

 Confidence Issues

 
 Given the fast-changing healthcare environment, even the most senior nurses
 can find it difficult to keep up with the best practices, procedures or
 protocols. Feeling as though you&rsquo;re behind in the latest nursing
 trends or tools can erode your confidence and lead to stress.
 Second-guessing yourself on the job can not only be stressful, but it can
 lower your job satisfaction overall.
 

 <ul>
 <li>
 
 Engage in professional development, such as webinars or industry events
 in order to feel like you&rsquo;re on top of the latest changes in the
 profession.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Be as organized as possible, allowing extra time to complete a morning
 routine or to leave a few minutes early so you arrive at work in a
 better frame of mind.
 
 </li>
 <li>
 
 Think positive. Set some goals toward continuous learning and
 development and celebrate when you achieve them.
 
 </li>
 </ul>

 
 For more strategies to combat stress, check out the American Holistic Nurses
 Association online
 <a href="http://www.ahna.org/Home/Resources/Stress-Management"
 >center for stress management</a
 >, with toolkits, tips, techniques and resources.
 

 
 If you feel stress in your current role, learn how the team at Cross Country
 Medical Staffing Network can help you find a new, exciting role that fits in
 line with your career goals.
 
</div>

Cross Country MSN

per diem

Feeling Stressed? You’re Not Alone. 

feeling-stressed-youre-not-alone

/travel

Locums

Investors

per-diem

home health

executive

Permanent

clients

Disclosure

travel

locums

investors

education

Corporate Careers

home-health

News + Insights

permanent

Clients

Disclosures 

CC-Footer

NURSING + ALLIED

PHYSICIANS + APPs

NON-CLINICAL

MORE JOBS

CORPORATE JOBS

MORE PROFESSIONALS

CONTACT US

SOLUTIONS

TECHNOLOGY

ABOUT

FAQs

RESOURCES

Main Navigation

Nav V2

Social-Icons