How to keep on top of your physical health when working as a nurse

Nursing is a job that often requires a good amount of physical endurance. You’re on your feet all day, often walking many miles per shift.

It can be tough to stick to scheduled breaks, which means that many healthcare professionals end up snacking on the most convenient food options on the fly rather than making nutritionally balanced choices.

There is also the risk of catching an illness from patients, not to mention the physical impact of workplace stress.

However, becoming a nurse is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your career. So, what can you do to keep yourself safe and in good health as you get on with your day-to-day tasks? We’ll explore this question below.

Choose the right footwear

Long shifts can mean a lot of walking. You’ll potentially be traveling between three to five miles per shift.

This can cause lasting problems if you aren’t wearing the right shoes. All feet are different, so it’s a good idea to talk to a podiatrist about the types of shoes you should be wearing and whether you’re likely to need insoles for improved arch support or cushioning.

Get your feet properly measured to make sure you’re not squeezing into a size too small and be sure to try on shoes in person where possible, rather than ordering online.

You can also take care of your feet between shifts with foot baths – it’s a nice relaxing treat as well as being highly beneficial for your health.

Watch your posture

Standing for long periods can result in poor posture and back pain. Try to remain aware of how you are standing in order to prevent slouching, as this can put strain on your spine and the various muscles in your back and may lead to more serious health issues further down the line.

Try to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Ideally, your workplace should invest in chairs with ergonomic back support that you can use during your time spent sitting.

It’s a good idea to stretch carefully before your shift, during a break and after you finish in order to maintain flexibility and decrease your risk of injury. If you can, it’s also a good idea to invest in a high-quality mattress and pillow to protect your back and neck even when you sleep.

Select healthy snacks

Candy bars and bags of chips may be the easiest food to grab when you’re busy, particularly if you’re looking for a high-calorie snack for more energy.

However, eating too much junk food can lead to serious health problems further down the line, from high cholesterol and blood pressure to diabetes and even certain forms of cancer.

Instead, try to eat low-sugar foods that are rich in good fats and a balanced selection of nutrients. Bananas, popcorn and nutritionally balanced protein bars are equally easy to reach for and snack on, and they represent great replacements for less healthy snacks.

Get enough sleep

Changing shifts can result in a lack of solid routine, which can throw off your sleeping pattern significantly. This can cause or exacerbate health problems.

For this reason, it’s important to make sure you aim for eight hours of sleep per night. You can plan your routine in advance to ensure that it can be adjusted according to your working hours.

If you’re on the night shift, investing in some great blackout blinds or a sleep mask may help you drift off during the day.

We’ve already mentioned picking up a great mattress and high-quality pillows, but you can also try out different scents to help soothe you to sleep. Lavender and chamomile are two of the most popular and effective herbs for this purpose.

Ways to avoid catching infections from patients

One of the major risks involved in working in a medical setting includes the potential to catch illnesses from the people you are treating. Along with following proper practice in terms of PPE and the safe disposal of waste items like sharps, you can protect yourself against this by doing the following:

• Trying to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay topped up with vitamins and minerals. Oranges and other citrus fruits contain immune-system-strengthening vitamin C, as do dark leafy greens. You can also consult the many resources available regarding balanced eating and the use of supplements.

• Practicing good hygiene – i.e., hand washing and sanitizing, as per your training.

• Avoiding touching your face! Even when washing your hands as regularly and diligently as possible, bacteria and viruses can be easily carried on your fingers.

Protect yourself from dermatitis and other skin conditions

As you are likely to be exposed to a range of soaps, sanitizing gels and chemical cleaning products when working as a nurse, you run a higher-than-average risk of contracting dermatitis and other skin conditions.

To avoid this, make sure that you rinse your hands well after every wash and invest in a good emollient cream to keep your skin healthy.

Stay positive and community-minded

Nursing is one of the most popular and exciting careers within the field of medicine. In fact, according to the most recent nurse practitioner statistics, the role of a nurse practitioner actually ranked number one in the medical field in 2022. If you are looking to pursue a nursing career, an online program at Baylor University is one of the best ways to further your education and receive clinical placement support.

Not only does the nursing field offer the potential for excellent remuneration, but you also have the opportunity to progress in almost any discipline within medicine.

Your job as a nurse is an exciting one. When things get stressful, try to consider everything within the context of your career progression. Do your best to support your colleagues wherever you can and talk to them about their plans for their future careers, too.

In doing this, you can help develop a strong community within your workplace and cultivate a culture of camaraderie and positivity.

Good mental health is key to enjoyable and healthy work, so be sure to take good care of yours and encourage your colleagues to do likewise.

Investing in the right clothing, looking after your feet and back, eating well, getting enough sleep, being mindful of your risk of infection and taking care of your mental health are all great ways to stay safe and in good physical shape throughout your career as a nurse and beyond.