Prioritizing Self-Care and Compassion: Resources for Nurses

Nursing has long been considered a compassion career. As a nurse, the care you provide patients isn’t limited to clinical responsibilities. You’re also the person individuals and families turn to in times of heartache, grief, confusion, uncertainty, suffering, and more. Yours is a demanding job – both physically and emotionally.

As we begin our month-long celebration of Nurses Month, it’s good to remember that it’s important for healthcare’s greatest caretakers to also take care of themselves. Afterall, compassion for self is equally as important is compassion for others. Through self-care, one focuses on healthy behaviors which can lead to empowerment and positive physical and mental health outcomes.

A survey conducted by the American Nurses Association showed that nearly 70% of the nurses surveyed put the care of their patients above their own¹. Sadly, the health of nurses is commonly at risk, especially when it comes to weight, sleep, and stress². Through self-care, we focus on healthy behaviors that can lead to empowerment and positive health outcomes - both physical and mental.

The American Nurses Association is focused on improving the overall health of nurses in the six key areas of mental health, physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, and safety.2 At Chamberlain, we we’d like to help by sharing a few resources designed to promote self-care and compassion for nurses.

Perspectives, Student Assistance Program

May also happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month – making it a great time for nurses make their mental health a priority. Students can visit the Perspectives, Student Assistance Program website for mental health resources and to receive a Perspectives newsletter which also provides helpful information.  

Wellness Wednesdays – Chamberlain University students are invited to attend Wellness Wednesday, held Week 3 of every session, to learn more on various wellness topics, presented by Perspectives, visit the Wellness Center page on the student portal.

Books

• Self-Care for Nurses: 100+ Ways to Rest, Reset, and Feel Your Best Hardcover – April 19, 2022 
  by Xiomely Famighetti (Author)
• Self-Care for New and Student Nurses 1st Edition
  by Dorrie K. Fontaine (Author), Tim Cunningham (Author), Natalie May (Author) 
• Self-Care For Nurses: Self Care Journal for Nurses Paperback – March 9, 2022 
  by Aligned With Advocacy (Author)

¹Source: www.healthynursehealthynation.org/~4a39e4/globalassets/hnhn-assets/all-images-view-with-media/about/2020-hnhn_sup-8.pdf

²Source: www.healthynursehealthynation.org

By Chamberlain University