#everytypeofnurse series 1: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a nurse or allied professional?

We thank all nurses and allied professionals for their valuable responses to the initial question of our #everytypeofnurse series, aimed at capturing real-time perspectives on nurse life questions that apply to us regularly. This month’s question was an important one, so we emphasized hearing from you.

“How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance as a nurse or allied professional?”

We got some fantastic ideas from so many nurses! We tried to incorporate as many as possible. Here are responses and tips from one nurse to another: the people who really get it. Have fun connecting with peers and see what they have to say!

Self-care is important to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Make time for some exercise, eat healthy, keep some social connections, and limit social media and work and home boundaries  /Ihuoma Enemua

Go outside for a walk. /Mila Nzarova

Loving your work, regular visits to your doctor, and, of course, vacationing. Listen to your inner self, and pray. Stay healthy! /Cynthia Baylosis

Make sure you take time for yourself every day. I exercise every morning before work. I get up at 3:45 am to exercise and do the Peloton bike because it helps me feel energized and ready for my day. It’s quiet and relaxing for me before my workday begins at 7 am. /Marci Goldin

I garden and walk the dog. /Ann Maloney

I set aside time for self-care for myself. I like walking, reading a good book, making a yummy dinner, or buying a deliciously scented shampoo. /Suri Meirov

Set boundaries, specify work hours, and try to stick to them. Make time for self-care and activities that promote physical and mental health. /Dannie Alexander

Take good care of yourself. /Marguerite Tam

I leave work on time, try not to have any conversations about work, and detach. I regularly go to the gym, do yoga, and get a monthly massage. I love to dance. I take any opportunity or occasion to dance to do what I love. I like to garden; it is also very calming and therapeutic. I dig in the dirt and put all my frustration there. /Shelly Blackman

Sleeping well, resting, and meeting with friends keep me going. /Felix W

Achieving work-life balance in healthcare requires deliberate planning and the willingness to adjust priorities. /Karen Koziol

I depend on God to take care of me. /Sandra Massey

Good evening, To maintain a work-life balance as a busy Nurse Practitioner, while at work, I focus my attention on the job, discourage work-related calls when not on call, and document during business hours. When off work, I focus on caring for my family and myself, including time to enjoy and connect with those I care about most. You can only care for others when you care for yourself. /Chiquita Houston-Armstrong, NP

First, you can take good care of yourself spiritually and physically. Be positive always. Pay attention. /Philomena Augustin

I prepare and freeze meals in advance for about a month’s worth. In the morning, I take my lunch or dinner out and leave it in the fridge. I buy fresh fruits, cut them, and place them in quart-size freezer bags. For breakfast, I sometimes have a smoothie with one scoop of protein powder and one scoop of collagen powder; other times, I have oatmeal or Farina. I walk very fast on purpose at work, and if I can take a break, I run up and down several flights of stairs. On my day off, I will take long walks and drive to clear my mind, or I will drive two hours to visit my sister and return home on the same day. I also see a nutritionist regularly. This is how I maintain a balanced work-life. /Chantale Gaston

Going for long walks in nature. /Esther Nakamya

For those who forgot, we are running a $50 gift card giveaway for everyone who submits responses to the #everytypeofnurse column! Drumroll… and the winner of our $50 gift card is Chiquita Houston-Armstrong! Congratulations, Chiquita! We hope this gift card helps you find something extraordinary to support your work-life balance.

Keep an eye out for our next question in October – we can’t wait to hear from you!

Want to join the White Glove community? There’s no better time to make the highest paying jobs, the most rewarding benefits, and our phenomenal team be your own!