Nine dimensions of wellness help nurses set self-care goals, seek resources, and support others.
Since nursing is a high-stress profession, it’s important to recognize signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in yourself or your fellow nurses.
“Nurses and PTSD: Combine Professional Care With Self-Care,” in American Nurse Today notes that one in four nurses will experience PTSD at some point. Symptoms can include agitation, irritability, self-destructive behavior, social isolation, fear, loneliness, and severe anxiety.
Nurse leaders can support their staff by seeking resources, advocating for assistance, and engaging with them. “When you listen, encourage, and support them, you develop trust, which can go a long way toward getting them the help they need,” the article adds.
Within the article is a link to “Wellness 101,” a self-care series that details nine dimensions of wellness to help nurses set goals for the well-being of themselves and others. “Wellness 101: 9 dimensions of wellness,” an introductory article in the series, summarizes each type of wellness:
Physical: Exercise, eat healthy, reduce stress, address medical issues and maintain healthy practices every day.
Emotional: Cognitive behavioral skills and mindfulness can relieve stress and anxiety.
Financial: Plan well and control spending to change how you feel.
Intellectual: Learn a new skill or concept, understand different viewpoints or exercise your mind with puzzles and games.
Career: Engage in work that provides satisfaction and matches your values.
Social: Build a support network based on mutual respect and trust among friends, family and co-workers.
Creative: Doodle, dance or sing without worrying about whether you’re doing it well.
Environmental: Appreciate your responsibility to preserve and protect the environment and connect to nature.
Spiritual: Be open to quiet self-reflection, reading and dialogue. Explore your beliefs and respect those of others.