Happy mother’s day Nurses!

It is not surprising that Mother’s Day, Nurse and Midwife Appreciation, and Teachers appreciation Week all converge in the beautiful month of May

If one were to look closely enough, these are some of the people who possess the similar kind of qualities and skills that they need to survive on their work and personal life.  Have you ever looked at someone closely and thought how good a nurse they would have been?  What are some of the traits that made you think of them as such?

How about Empathy?

Knowing how to love someone in the most selfless manner, with no strings or conditions attached, understanding someone else’s need and prioritizing it over their own, is a trait specific to mothers, which the nurses and teachers have adopted over the years.

Critical thinking and decision taking

As a mother, have you ever thought of or imagined the decisions you make on a daily basis?

Moms don’t hesitate.   Did the child fall off a bicycle?  Should he go to the ER?   Is that company/friend really good for the child?  What healthy diet will the kids eat and not make a fuss?  What’s the deadline for the next year’s course registration?  What about that late night dance the teenaged daughter is invited to?  Should you deny her request to go? Kids ask questions regularly. Moms know where to draw the boundary lines. Thoughtful improvisation and quick decisions are something moms do on a daily basis.

Communication, teamwork and collaboration

It’s not just talking, but mothers do listen to verbal and non-verbal cues just as nurses do.   They collaborate with the nanny, the basketball coach, with their significant other and the kids, and plan effectively to meet each one’s schedule and needs in an effective manner.

Planning and Time Management

Is there enough time to complete the school project and still go to bed early?  A current dance schedule may conflict with future academic goals.  From planning birthday parties to Easter egg hunts and designing their child’s Halloween costumes, they have it all together-and on time!

Observation

Mothers may not speak or intervene often but they do observe, sense and understand.  Is the child lying? Did something happen at the school or the playground today?   They realize their child’s emotional state as soon as they make their entry home.  They see and feel things undetectable to the naked eye

Besides mothers monitor temperatures and bandage bruised bodies and egos.  They know when to intervene and when to let them figure it out on their own.   No wonder mothers are the first teachers and some of the wonderful nurses. 

And the most unsung mothers of all?

Every male, who because of whatever circumstances, has to take on the role of both mother and a father single handedly.   You are not forgotten.  So on this mother’s day weekend, I salute you for all the blood, sweat, tears, and other things you have been dealing with;  no matter the failures and the misadventures, the laughs and the tears, you have braved it and your children couldn’t be less grateful.

So nurses who are mothers; what do you do on a daily basis to maintain the work/family balance?

Self-awareness is the key

Know who you are.   Know what excites you; Challenges you and keeps you going. Plan your time aside from work.  Don’t just try lazing around in front of the television with popcorn in hand.  Instead, think of ways to challenge yourself with a hobby, spend time with friends, find some volunteer work; some activity that will make you lose track of your time.    Plan for family hikes or a camping weekend.   Light on the barbecue and get everyone to participate.

Make Health your Priority

Your health as well as your families.  Take time to cook and plan your weekly meals.  Keep a healthy, nonperishable snack (E.g.:  almonds or raisins) with you at all times.  Take up walking or jogging.  Skipping for fun is another activity to be enjoyed along with little champs.  This builds up your endurance for longer shifts which keep you on your feet all day long. 

Mindfulness and Self Care

Think of effective ways to unwind after a long day.  Listen to music or a spiritual talk.   Get hold of yourself before you face your family after a challenging shift.  Practice some deep breathing.

How do you like to prepare for your day? How do you like to unwind from a long day? Whatever helps you get in the proper mindset for a challenging shift should be made a priority, just like having a wind-down routine after a long day.   Take up journaling, practice gratitude and thankfulness. 

There are times, when after a long shift, dealing with verbal abuse, angry and agitated clients, work politics, staff struggles and management issues, I just go to my car and sit quietly; holding on to my steering wheel as if my life depended on it. That’s where I practice my deep breathing and mindfulness exercises. believe it or not, that helps me get home; much calmer and much more ready to to face whatever awaits me at home!

It is crucial to separate work life and personal life.  If taking care of patients at the workplace, just to return home and take care of your family and return back to work to start all over again is all you do; think again!

You can’t pour from a depleted cup.  This will eventually make you cynical, bitter and exhausted.  Therefore, it is imperative that you develop a post shift ritual.    Be it sitting quietly with a hot cup of coffee, changing your nail color or taking your dog for a walk; this is your time; spend it on yourself; so you are better prepared to spend some quality time with your family.

Last, but not the least;

Use, but don’t rely, on your training

Kid’s get sick, friends, family and neighbors come to you for advice; and nurses kids of their own have a unique ability to spot symptoms and make a diagnosis right away.  Your knowledge and training is an asset; use it to determine and educate them of seeking regular preventive and protective medical care. Being a parent who’s a nurse can save you doctor visits many a times but do not deprive your family of the timely medical care they need.