Question

Describe one new insight you have about your self-care and your effectiveness as a nurse. Identify one specific, measurable and realistic strategy related to your self-care that you could implement during the clinical day.

Answer 1

Self care

Definition

Self-care is a multidimensional concept in which the interdependency of mental and physical well-being creates an enhanced quality of life and sense of personal fulfillment.

IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE

–The American Nurses Association’s self-care guide for nurses defines self-care as the ability to engage in healthy, meaningful relationships with others, listening to one’s own body, and recognizing and intervening when noticing signs of exhaustion (Richards et al., 2014).

–Includes two key components

    - Self-knowing

    - Self-awareness

–Self-knowing refers to understanding one’s own beliefs, values, and attitudes and the use of those to support personal and professional growth

–Self-knowing leads to self-awareness which can support a balance of mind, body, and spirit

Domains of self care

Self-care is practiced in seven functional domains:

• emotional,
• physical
• spiritual
• intellectual
• social,
• relational
• and safety/security

1. Emotional self care

• Research indicates there is an important connection between emotions and health
• Nurses and caregivers are likely to encounter people and situations that cause intense emotions of anxiety, fear, anger, stress, and insecurity ¨ If not effectively addressed, these feelings can have a negative impact on response workers’ well-being

2.Physical self care

• It includes Fitness Nutrition Good health practices
• The Biopsychosocial model views health and illness as products of biological characteristics (genetic inheritance), behavioral factors (lifestyle, stress, health beliefs), and social conditions (cultural influences, family relationships, social support)

3.Spiritual or Religious self care

• Fostering spiritual self-care involves the exploration and expression of beliefs and values that are shaped by experience
• ¨ Spirituality may also be expressed through connections to nature and the world, and may be characterized as an individual sense of purpose ¨
• Spiritual self-care can be facilitated in numerous ways, from simply watching the sun rise to becoming active in organized religion or other spiritual communities

4. Intellectual self care

• Intellectual self-care is about engaging regularly in critical thinking and inquiry to expand knowledge and stimulate the mind
• At the most basic level, intellectual self-care involves an abiding interest in ideas, learning, thinking, and creativity
• It includes Interest in ideas, Learning ,Critical thinking and Creativity

5. Social self care

• It includes establishing, nurturing, and expanding social networks and friendships through community involvement, group affiliation, and contribution to collective causes
• Friendships may provide emotional support, companionship, reciprocity, and problem-solving assistance

6.Relational self care

• Relational self-care pertains to the establishment, development, and strengthening of relationships with life partners, spouses, children, parents, and extended family
• Maintaining strong family ties is at the core of relational self-care

7. Sfety and Security self care

• Self-care for safety and security involves personal, financial, and environmental planning
• Too often, safety and security issues are only addressed when a threat, breach of safety or trauma occurs
• Planning ahead can alleviate some of the stress of an actual event through creating a sense of preparedness and greater control.

Self care strategies

• Adequate sleep and nutrition
• Attend social activities
• Exercise regularly
• Find hobbies
• Process emotions
• Right physical and mental rest

SMART Goals in nursing

S – Specific

A specific goal is detailed, focused and clearly stated. Everyone reading the goal should know exactly what you want to learn.

. M-Measurable.

A measurable goal is quantifiable, meaning you can see the results

A- Attainable

An attainable goal can be achieved based on your skill, resources and area of practice.

R- Relevant

A relevant goal applies to your current role and is clearly linked to your key role responsibilities.

T-Time bound

A time-limited goal has specific timelines and a deadline. This will help motivate you to move toward your goal and to evaluate your progress.

Application of SMART in nursing self care

• Simple goal: I want a position that makes more money.
• SMART nursing goal: By November 30th, I will have a new position at an acute care facility that pays at least $50 per hour, including differential.

The first example is vague and open-ended. The second sets a deadline and identifies a specific goal with a measurable component.