If you’re after a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and makes a positive difference in other people’s lives, going into nursing may be right for you. In a nursing role, you will learn and understand the importance of patient care to ensure that those you help get the treatment and support they need.
Before going into the nursing world, you must obtain the mandatory qualifications first. To help keep you on the right track and ensure you pass with flying colours, here are some effective health and wellness strategies that can help.
Know What to Expect
When starting a nursing course, it’s understandable to have a mixture of emotions. While on the one hand you will be excited to begin and start your journey of becoming a nurse, on the other, you may also feel anxious about getting the best grades possible. Whether you choose a Marymount nursing program or another school entirely, doing initial research into the different programs available, as well as the modules you’ll undertake, can bring comfort and prepare you for what the future holds.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Many nurses work all kinds of shifts that can span across mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Therefore, getting a good night’s sleep is essential for being in the best frame of mind to help patients. As a nursing student, you can get into the habit of sleeping better which will set you up for success in your chosen career. If you have difficulty falling and staying asleep, creating a bedtime ritual can be a big help. Make sure you remove any distractions that can hinder good quality sleep, which means placing your smartphone out of sight and out of mind.
Follow a Healthy Diet
If you aspire to be a registered nurse, you must fuel your body with the right foods to keep your energy and stamina levels up. Nurses can be on their feet for 12 hours at a time with breaks few and far between. This means you may need to take a look at your diet and make changes to help you lead a healthier way of life. For example, if you’re living on takeout during your student years, this won’t be helpful when you enter the nursing world. Eating more fruit and veg and filling your refrigerator with more protein-filled food can help you feel fuller for longer.
Retain a Positive Mindset
Throughout your nursing degree, retaining a positive mindset can do wonders for staying on track and getting the top grades. For many nursing students, it’s all about thinking positively and removing any negative thoughts from the brain. Should you come up against any barriers during your nursing course, try and remember the reasons why you’ve embarked on the degree in the first place. Whether it’s to provide a better financial future for your family, or to learn new skills, seeing your course in a positive light is crucial for success.
Make Room for Exercise
If you’re the type of nursing student who spends hour after hour sat at the computer screen, it may be time to take a break and factor in some exercise. Stretching your legs and getting your heart pumping can bring numerous benefits, such as boosting productivity, keeping positive and increasing your energy levels. For those who don’t like the idea of signing up to a gym and hitting the treadmill, you can work out from home without any worries of being judged. Whether you perform lunges, squats, pushups, or sit ups, there are plenty of exercises you can do from the comfort of your living room.
Manage Your Stress
For nursing students who struggle with stress and anxiety, you need to be aware of what awaits you in your career. Whether you work in a hospital, school, or go out to patient’s homes, each person you treat will be completely different, and your patience may be tested to the limit. This means you need to get a handle on your stress before qualifying as a nurse. No matter how hectic your schedule is, you can surely find 5-10 minutes to meditate which can clear your mind and bring a sense of calm and peace.
Stay Hydrated
Nurses are always on the go, so you need to be drinking plenty of water to replenish your body and stay alert. We all understand the importance of drinking water, so if you’re not getting enough, there are some tactics that can help. Setting daily goals, reminders, and keeping a reusable water bottle by your side will remind you to stay topped up. Getting into the routine of keeping hydrated during your student years will carry through to when you’re working as a qualified nurse.
Avoid Caffeine
Some students rely on multiple cups of coffee to keep them focused and engaged with their learning. If this sounds like you, you may not realize the dangers caffeine can have during your nursing program, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. While caffeine is fine in moderation, it’s always best to consume caffeinated beverages before 2pm.
Get Outside
There is nothing quite like getting outdoors and immersing yourself in nature. With many students being stuck at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re still able to get out and about around your neighborhood. Whatever you do, make sure you allocate time to get some fresh air in your lungs. Being outdoors will also top up your vitamin D levels and can help you feel more energized and focused on your nursing program.
Seek Support
You should feel no shame in asking for help during your nursing degree. No matter where you study or what you study, there will be a specialist team in place to assist students along the way. If you need any support, knowing there are people there to talk to can be a big weight off your shoulders.
There are a whole host of duties and responsibilities that nurses face when it comes to delivering excellent patient care. In order to perform your job well, prioritizing your own health and well-being and following the guidance above will help you throughout nursing school and in your professional endeavours.
