Embracing the Healer
Guest Post by Jill O’Hara, RN, CHHP, RMT
Om, the sound of the Universe calling you! Most nurses are healers by nature, seeking to help others to a place of wellness in spite of the scientific nature of Allopathic medicine. We strive to correct and patch up the injured patients we encounter on a daily basis, hoping for miracle cures even if the thoughts and words are not spoken. We want to make our patients “all better” in the manner we experience when we kiss the scrape on the knee of a child. If only it were that simple we could heal the world.
Typically a nurse begins their day mentally mapping out how we see the day unfolding. We have rushed to get ready, maybe getting kids off to school, walking the dogs or putting out some other fire prior to physically getting dressed. As we attend to tasks our mind is whirling thinking about how we will handle another day with caring for too many sick patients, or frantically trying to finish in our mind that report that is due in two hours, second guessing how we responded to that emergency yesterday, or simply dreading having to work with that annoying co-worker. We may have other worries on our mind that take front stage such as a sick relative, a broken down vehicle or knowing that the holidays are weeks away and hoping we can get in some overtime to pay for all of those meaningless gifts we intend to give.
You are now in the mode; your shoes hit the concrete floors running and you rush to accomplish all of the tasks that are before you. Somehow you manage to attend to all of those patient needs, yet your mind is frantically racing ahead to the rest of your shift feeling overwhelmed and your heart is thumping in your chest. Break time has come and gone and your stomach rumbles. We are very good at teaching our patients how to deep breathe, yet rarely take a breath ourselves. The nurse, the healer and caregiver frequently fails to take care of the most important person, yourself.
Having worked in traditional nursing for 20 plus years I have been in these shoes struggling and multitasking until I thought my brain would explode. Nurses typically push through everything thrown their way; suffocate their own needs to benefit others. We think we have to be superwoman and save everyone who appears before you. You studied hard to get where you are. Your work becomes your priority over shadowing who you really are. You get lost in the roles you play as a wife, mother, friend, and caregiver and fail to recognize that you need care as well. Yes you are deserving of care just like all of those you care for.
Self-care and self-love should in my eyes be the first thing taught in nursing school. We are taught all the mechanics of caring for others, learning the names of diseases and their symptoms, how to care for, treat and medicate for dis-eases that are brought on by lack of self-care. We educate our patients on nutrition, stress reduction, how to care for themselves, breaking unhealthy habits and though those things we can recite without even thinking we still fail to take our own advice.
If you have never read the story of Florence Nightingale I encourage you to do so. She knew what it took to heal and remain healthy. Fresh air, proper nutrition, a clean and soothing environment and taking the time for self-care were what she taught. This is a great quote from her “Women never have a half-hour in all their lives (excepting before or after anybody is up in the house) that they can call their own, without fear of offending or of hurting someone. Why do people sit up so late, or, more rarely, get up so early? Not because the day is not long enough, but because they have ‘no time in the day to themselves.” Nurses everywhere need to heed the advice Florence gave in how to care for patients not only for the sake of the patients, but for themselves.
You are worthy of self-care and when you learn to love yourself first you then can better care for others. These are not empty words but words that can change your life so that you can fully and joyfully live it. Since leaving traditional nursing behind 13 years ago I have learned to put these words into practice and wake up daily being thankful I have. I live a life that I had only once dreamed of, surrounded by people who nurture me, having the energy to pursue my purpose. You can have that as well.
Now is the time to ask yourself “is this how I want to live my life”. If the answer is no then it is time to do some soul searching. Simple changes in daily habits can turn your world around. Make you a priority in your life. The thoughts you think create your reality. Where does your mind go when unattended? How do you manage your stress? Are you surrounded with people who love and inspire you? Is your environment a healthy one? Instead of just teaching proper nutrition begin by looking at your own diet.
Embrace that healer within by pampering her/him daily. Seek out what proper nutrition means, and a hint is that it is not the food pyramid. Micro nutrients are vital to healthy cells and without them our body becomes ill. Simple stress reduction can begin with 5 minutes of meditation to begin your day, or removing yourself from negative relationships may be in order. Exercise more than your mind by finding a gentle program that entices you. Sleep deprived? Learn to put yourself to bed as you would a child, good nutrition, a soothing bath, a quiet time to calm down, an uncluttered bedroom and permission to sleep well. The mind, body and spirit all need to be a complete package. Start with baby steps and soon you will be running.
Blessings!
Jill O’Hara, RN, CHHP, RMT
