Essential Items Nurses Should Keep in Their Locker for Challenging Shifts

Nurses are right at the heart of patient care, dealing with the non-stop action and high demands of hospital life. They often work long shifts that push their medical know-how to the limit, all while taking a toll on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. According to a survey by the American Nurses Association, 82% of nurses report significant workplace stress, underscoring the necessity of personal wellness practices.

Here are five must-have items for your locker that can help you find peace and keep you going during those intense shifts.

A Dose of Encouragement

Cracking open your locker to a burst of positivity can change your day. Keeping daily notes of encouragement in your personal space acts like a mini pep-talk. Whether it’s a motivating quote, a kind word from a patient, or a reminder of why you chose this noble profession, these little notes can provide a significant mental uplift. They serve as a tangible reminder that you’re making a difference, even on days when everything seems to spiral.

And here’s one more interesting spin on notes: notes of thankfulness.

Did you know that gratitude-even in the hardest of times, boosts mental health? About twenty years back, psychologist Robert A. Emmons led a groundbreaking study trying to figure out how saying “thanks” could be good for us, a topic that hadn’t been looked into much before.

What Dr. Emmons discovered was pretty amazing—it turns out that feeling grateful might make us happier on the inside. This sparked other researchers to dig deeper. What they found was pretty consistent: finding the good in our lives and showing gratitude to others doesn’t just boost our mood; it can also do wonders for our relationships. Plus, while it’s not a guarantee, some of these studies suggest that being thankful could also have some perks for our physical health.

Fuel for the Body

And speaking of physical health, nurses know better than anyone the importance of nourishment, but finding the time (and the right kind of food) to sustain energy throughout a shift is another story. Keeping a stash of healthy snacks that are gentle on digestion in your locker can be a lifesaver. Think about nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit—any tasty and gut-friendly snack that can give you a quick boost without weighing you down. Having these snacks ready means you can refuel on the go and get extra energy to face whatever your shift throws at you.

Emotional Anchors

A visual reminder of why you’re persevering can be incredibly powerful on particularly tough days. A recent study from psychologists at UCLA indicates that gazing at a picture or even merely thinking about someone close to you can lessen the sensation of pain. For this reason, a photograph of someone who inspires you or whom you deeply care about can act as an emotional anchor. It’s a personal touch amid the clinical surroundings that offers a momentary escape to happier thoughts and memories. This visual cue can help recenter your emotions, reminding you of the support system waiting for you and the personal motivations that drive you.

A Scent of Calm

The olfactory senses are directly linked to emotional centers in the brain, which makes them a powerful conduit for mood alteration. A discreet, comforting scent—think essential oil roll-ons like lavender or peppermint—can offer a moment of zen. During a quick break or a stressful moment, a whiff of your chosen scent can transport you to a more tranquil state of mind, ease stress, and boost your mood. Just remember to make sure the scent is subtle and workplace-appropriate, keeping in mind the sensitivity of patients and colleagues.

A Touch of Comfort

Lastly, always appreciate the power of tactile comfort. A soft, cozy sweater or scarf can feel like a warm hug on a tough day. The soft fabric against your skin can calm your nerves and make those long, stressful hours seem easier to handle. It’s like having a little bit of home you can wrap around yourself, giving you warmth and a comforting sense of safety and happiness.

In the end, turning a simple locker into a personal sanctuary stocked with these essentials is more than an act of self-care; it’s a strategy for resilience. For nurses navigating the heroic yet demanding healthcare journey, these items serve as tools for sustenance, comfort, and encouragement, empowering them to face each shift with renewed strength and dedication.

Author
Recent Posts

Nina Cole