Too often, medical professionals and first responders spend so much time thinking about the health and well-being of others that they forget to think about themselves. Basic lifesaving skills and your own health can — and do — go hand in hand. With these healthy tips for healthcare providers, you can find out how to stay polished in both departments.
Family Life
Whether you are thinking about your work as a nurse practitioner and family life or wondering how doctors and family life coincide, work-life balance is a struggle all healthcare providers face. It starts in school and continues throughout your career.
Jennifer Joseph says that finding balance between nursing and family life “takes an organized, motivated, and determined person.” She couldn’t be more right. Here are a few tips for balancing your work with important family time:
- Communicate. Keep lines of communication open with your family and loved ones. Talk about any major changes to your schedule or assignments so everyone is on the same page. Meet regularly to talk about your family’s needs and make sure that everyone feels like they have an opportunity to express their desires and priorities. Build common interests. Include your family in preparation and study — everyone can learn CPR or the names of bone and muscle groups together. Remind your family that finding balance is a team effort, and you are all on the same team.
- Calendar. Never underestimate the power of a master calendar. Instead of keeping separate work and personal calendars, make sure your loved ones can see clearly when you are working and when you will need to be sleeping. This also allows you to clearly see the events you’ll want to be a part of and can’t miss.
Personal Health
When you care for your personal health, you are helping yourself become a better healthcare provider. In between your CPR renewal class and your regular shift, make sure to make time for you.
- Exercise. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. During your shift, take advantage of free moments to try some simple desk exercises. This will help keep you physically on the top of your game and give you a boost of endorphins.
- Hydrate. Water helps your body release stress and function in tip-top shape. Try to drink 10 glasses of water each day, and always keep water nearby during your shift.
- Take a break. Taking time for yourself away from your work is important. Don’t be afraid to take a vacation. Neglecting to relax can lead to burnout.
Education
You may not think of education having a direct link to your health, but your mental health improves when you are confident in your knowledge and your skills. That’s where ACLS Certification Institute can help.
From online CPR renewal to ACLS and BLS certification, our courses are designed to make learning convenient and easy to complete on your own time and at your own pace. More than 10,000 healthcare providers have used our program to sharpen their skills and improve patient outcomes.
Our accreditation comes through the ADA, AMA, and ANCC in joint providership with the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM). Each of our courses is also accredited by CAPCE for all emergency medical professionals. Get started today!
Sources
- Mattison M. 5 tips to balance work and nursing school. Chamberlain University Blog. Apr 10, 2013. https://www.chamberlain.edu/blog/5-tips-to-balance-family-work-and-nursing-school
- Swanson D. How to balance nursing school and family life. DailyNurse. Aug 20, 2018. https://dailynurse.com/how-to-balance-nursing-school-and-family-life/
- Laskowski E. How much should the average adult exercise every day? Mayo Clinic. Apr 27, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916#:~:text=As%20a%20general%20goal%2C%20aim,may%20need%20to%20exercise%20more.
- Tannas A. 10 ways to stay healthy for healthcare workers. PolicyMedical. Accessed Jul 31, 2020. https://www.policymedical.com/10-ways-to-stay-healthy-for-healthcare-workers/
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