Practicing Mindfulness: Your Guide to Navigate the Emotional Ward

• Practicing mindfulness involves being present in the moment and accepting what is before you without judgment.  
• Nurses who are not practicing mindfulness can easily become discouraged, frustrated, and burned out. 
• It is essential to understand correct techniques to effectively practice mindfulness in nursing.

Every year, as a seasoned registered nurse, I find myself brushing up on essential skills like expertly extinguishing fires (you know, just in case my pen bursts into flames) or delving into the riveting world of HR policies and confidentiality laws (because what’s more thrilling than HIPAA guidelines?). While these are undoubtedly important, I’ve always felt something crucial was missing from our annual skill set refreshers.  

Having worked as an RN for the past 18 years in various settings, that missing piece is how to adequately cope with our profession’s daily pressures and stressors.  

We’re trained to handle external emergencies, but what about internal ones? One of the beneficial practices that helps us show up physically, spiritually, and mentally at work is mindfulness – a simple yet powerful way to navigate the emotional complexities we face in healthcare. 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is being present in the moment, being aware of what’s unfolding in front of you, and acknowledging and accepting it without judgment.

I noticed significant changes as I embraced mindfulness in my daily nursing routine. My stress levels began to noticeably decrease. Constant rushing didn’t put me ahead in the non-stop hustle of trying to catch up. Slowing down made a world of difference. The chaotic ship of nursing duties kept sailing, but I was no longer just treading water. 

By being more mindful, I cultivated deeper connections with my patients. They felt heard, understood, and genuinely cared for, which is the heart of nursing. This shift didn’t just increase my happiness; it also contributed to a safer working environment. I found myself enhancing patient safety and satisfaction and less prone to errors.

Beyond these immediate benefits, I also found a growing sense of resilience and job satisfaction, affirming mindfulness’s profound impact on personal well-being and professional fulfillment. It turns out that mindfulness isn’t just good for the nurse’s soul; it’s essential for patient care, too. 

The Contrast: A Day Without Mindfulness  

Imagine you’re at the Pyxis. As you remove the medications for your patient, your mind races through the many tasks awaiting you. You’re trying to prioritize, feeling rushed with a mile-long to-do list. Memories linger of the last patient who yelled at you for not getting their turkey sandwich fast enough. You’re sad for the pregnant patient who just had her third miscarriage, worried about the stability of your new patient who just arrived on the EMS gurney, and irritated because you haven’t had a chance to chat about anything.  

Practicing Mindfulness: A Step-by-Step Guide 

To practice mindfulness, catch your thoughts and become aware of them. Standing at the pyxis, place your finger on the print reader. Take a deep breath, focusing on how the air feels filling your lungs. Notice the red light scanning your finger, the names popping up on the screen as you scroll for your patient’s name. Feel your finger touching the screen, hear the sound of the drawer popping open, and the sensation of closing it. If you’re behind a closed door, notice the quietness. This practice, once started, becomes something you won’t want to stop.

As nurses, we’re always giving and expending a lot of energy. Mindfulness helps save and restore this energy.    

Techniques for Mindfulness in Nursing  

Deep Breathing: When stressed, nervous, or under pressure, acknowledge your feelings and start deep breathing. I find the 4-7-8 technique effective, but many others exist to explore.    

Voice Mirroring with Patients: Involves repeating what the patient says quietly in your head. It helps you genuinely listen, ensuring your thoughts don’t wander to the next task

Five Senses Check-in (Post-Work): Notice what you hear, feel, smell, see, and taste. However, I recommend saving this for after work due to the nature of the hospital’s smells and sounds.

Slowing Down: Between critical care moments, take a breather. Notice sensations in your body and address them accordingly. If your feet ache, elevate them. If your shoulders and neck feel tight, try some sitting yoga.    

Nature and Tea Breaks: If you get a break, stretch outside. If breaks are rare, it’s essential to speak up. Are you enjoying a cup of tea? Pay attention to the cup’s warmth, the tea’s smell and flavor, and how the steam rises.

The Bottom Line

 It is possible to find job satisfaction and show up for yourself simultaneously. This journey requires creative thinking, exploring uncharted territory, and courage. Embracing mindfulness in nursing isn’t just about improving our well-being but transforming how we deliver care. We become more present, compassionate, and effective caregivers by nurturing our mental and emotional health.  

I want to encourage my fellow nurses to embark on this path of mindfulness. Let’s not wait for the industry to change; let’s be the change. By integrating mindfulness into our practice, we can reignite our passion for nursing and ensure that we’re delivering the best care possible to our patients, all while taking care of our well-being. Remember, a small step toward mindfulness is a giant leap toward a fulfilling nursing career. 

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