Nurses constantly take the time to educate their patients how to stay warm or cool, how important fluid intake is, and the significance of a good night’s sleep.

Are they mindful of these for themselves? Frequently not. Nurses are commonly referred to as Super Humans. Indeed, they are. Still, because they are humane, reminders are needed to stop and take care of themselves and replenish their passion and energy so that they can carry on.

Sleep, and how to secure enough of it, is a mutual issue in nursing. But how much sleep is “enough”? Typically, 8 hours of sleep is recommended to keep one up and running for a full shift. Some nurses claim their ability to sleep waned with age and so 6-7 hours would be ample for them.

A second debate would be “when to sleep”. Some nurses sleep immediately after arriving home, others delay sleep and rise just before going to work, while selected nurses prefer splitting their sleep into 2 sessions. Whatever pattern you choose; be sure to keep it to a consistency so your body gets the max out of it.

But even if you make sure to get enough sleep it’s ok to still feel lethargic at times, especially after you’ve basically caught up and/or more towards the end of your shift. Thus, some nurses use a “buddy system” in which they keep an eye on each other and check one another’s work.

For a quick energy boost you may try the following:

• Breathe: slow deep and easy breathing is among the best stress reducers.
• Drink: 8 ounce glass of cold water
• Exercise: use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Grasp some fresh air, if possible.
• Rubbing on both ears for 10-15 seconds will give a quick uplifting.

Overall, be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious meals. It is recommended to cut back on sugars and foods with empty calories and taking a good multivitamin with B vitamins and magnesium.

As much as you love to take care of others, you must first take care of yourselves.