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Nurse Coping Strategies helped me a lot.
When I first started working in the operating room, I thought I was prepared. Until I realised I was not.
I had my scrubs, my training, and my excitement.
But after a few months? The long hours, emotional weight, and constant pressure started getting to me.
I remember one shift where I barely had time to drink water, let alone sit down. I went home, sat on my bed still in scrubs, and just… stared. That was the moment I realized: I need better ways to handle this.
So I started learning and collecting what I now call my nurse coping strategies—things that actually helped me feel human again after long OR days. These aren’t complicated or fancy. They’re just small things that have made a big difference in how I survive (and stay sane) in this job.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed too, I hope something here helps you.
1. Step Away—Even Just for a Minute
Sometimes, when the room is buzzing and I feel that tightness in my chest, I step out. Even for 30 seconds.
I’ll go to the hallway, take a deep breath, and let my shoulders drop.
It sounds small, but that pause has saved me more times than I can count. It’s one of the easiest nurse coping strategies I’ve used—and it works.
2. Find a Tiny Routine That Grounds You
I started keeping peppermint oil in my locker. Before a shift or during a break, I’d take a quick sniff. It became my reset button.
Some days, it’s music. I’ll play one song before walking into the OR. Just one. It helps shift my mindset from “chaotic morning” to “focused nurse.”
These small routines aren’t about being perfect—they just remind me that I’m still me, even in the middle of a hectic hospital.
3. Don’t Pretend You’re Fine All the Time
I used to brush things off.
“Yeah, I’m good,” even when I wasn’t.
But the truth is, opening up just a little helped me more than hiding everything.
Now when someone I trust asks how I’m doing, I’ll say something honest like, “It was a rough one today.” That little bit of truth often leads to real connection. And you know what? Most nurses have been through the same feelings.
4. Talk to Yourself After Work (Yes, Really)
On the way home, I talk. Out loud. To myself.
Sometimes I vent. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I talk through what happened.
It sounds strange, but it’s like releasing a pressure valve.
This has become one of my most personal nurse coping strategies—just letting myself feel what I pushed down all day.
5. Stretch. Move. Shake It Off.
I don’t always have the energy for a full workout, but I’ve learned that even five minutes of movement helps.
Some nights, I’ll lay on the floor and stretch. Other days, I dance around my kitchen to a random song while heating leftovers. It’s not about fitness—it’s about letting my body know the shift is over.
Movement helps me shake off the energy and stress I’ve been carrying.
6. Protect Your Days Off Like Your Life Depends on It
Because honestly, it kind of does.
I used to say yes to every extra shift. But I learned the hard way—if I don’t rest, I start resenting everything. Now, I block off my days off and treat them like sacred time. Sometimes I do absolutely nothing. Sometimes I go out and feel normal again.
Either way, that space to breathe makes me a better nurse and a better person.
7. Know What Fills You Up Again
What recharges you?
For me, it’s quiet mornings, good coffee, and walks without headphones.
For you, it might be painting, calling family, gaming, or cooking.
One of the best nurse coping strategies is simply knowing what brings you peace—and doing more of that, even in small doses. It doesn’t have to be hours. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’re here reading this, chances are you’ve had tough shifts too. Maybe you’re even in the middle of burnout.
I just want you to know—you’re not alone. You’re not weak for struggling.
And you’re definitely not failing.
This job is hard. But you’re still showing up, still caring, still trying. That matters.
And the fact that you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself? That means you’re already doing something right.
So be gentle with yourself. Try a few of these nurse coping strategies. Adapt them to fit your life. And most of all—don’t forget to take care of the person under the scrubs.
You’re worth it.
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