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Work-life balance is always overlooked especially if you’re an operating room (OR) nurse, you know the drill— because of long hours, intense focus, and the constant adrenaline rush of saving lives. It’s rewarding, but let’s be real, it can also be exhausting. Finding the right work-life balance is essential to staying energised, fulfilled, and at your best both in and out of the OR.
Here are some real-world tips from someone who scrubs in and clocks out (eventually).
1. Master the Art of Post-Shift Recovery
The OR can drain every ounce of energy, so recovery is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a hot shower, stretching out sore muscles, or indulging in your comfort food (because that post-op snack hits differently), make time to decompress.
💡 Tip: Try the “Golden Hour Rule”—the first hour after work should be 100% for yourself. No work emails. No extra shifts. Just you and whatever helps reset your mind.
2. Set Boundaries Like a Pro
We love our jobs, but they shouldn’t take over our entire existence. Learning to say “no” to extra shifts when you’re burnt out or enforcing screen-free hours for work emails can do wonders for mental clarity.
💡 Tip: If you struggle with turning down requests, have a go-to response ready: “I’d love to help, but I’ve got commitments outside work today. Let me know if you need me another time!”
3. Take a Breather (Even Mid-Shift)
Work-life balance isn’t just about what happens after your shift—it starts inside the OR. Hydrate between cases, take those five-minute breaks when possible, and sneak in some deep breaths when scrubbing in.
💡 Tip: Try box breathing—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again for 4. It’s a game-changer for staying calm during intense cases.
4. Invest in Your Non-Work Identity
You are more than your scrubs. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling, or simply catching up on your favorite show, make space for things that remind you you’re a whole person, not just a job title.
💡 Tip: Try habit stacking—pair something you already do with a new activity. Example: Listen to a podcast while commuting or do yoga while waiting for your coffee to brew.
5. Find a Support System That Gets It
OR nursing isn’t something most people outside the field understand. That’s why connecting with fellow nurses, whether through online communities or casual post-shift hangouts, can help keep you grounded.
💡 Tip: If you need a quick vent session, reach out to your “scrub squad”—those coworkers who just get it. Sometimes, all you need is someone who understands the crazy shift you just had.
Work-life balance doesn’t mean doing less of what you love—it means doing it smarter so you don’t burn out. Protect your energy, prioritize recovery, and never forget: your well-being is just as important as the patients you care for.
Got any go-to work-life balance tricks? Drop them in the comments—we’re all figuring this out together!
Resources from my Blog related to work-life balance
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