Wellbeing Tips for Nurses and Support Workers

Working in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding. As a nurse or support worker, you have the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, often when they need care and support the most.

But caring for others can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Long shifts, busy clinical environments, changing workplaces and supporting people with complex needs can all take their toll.

For World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing some simple ways nurses and support workers can look after their own wellbeing, manage stress and make time to recharge.

Why your wellbeing matters

When you work in healthcare, it can be easy to put your own needs second. After spending your day focused on the wellbeing of patients, residents and their whānau, it’s important to remember to check in with yourself too.

Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing isn't selfish. Taking care of yourself can help you maintain the energy and resilience needed to continue doing work that matters to you.

1. Check in with yourself

Take a moment to notice how you’re feeling. Are you more tired, stressed or irritable than usual? Are you finding it difficult to switch off after work, sleep well or enjoy things you normally would?

Recognising changes in your wellbeing can help you identify when you might need to slow down, talk to someone or seek additional support.

2. Look after the basics

When you're working long or irregular shifts, it can be easy to overlook your own needs.

Try to prioritise regular meals, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep and having time to properly rest between shifts. Small, manageable habits can make a difference, even when your schedule is busy.

3. Make time for yourself

Your role as a nurse or support worker is important, but it doesn't have to be your whole life.

Make time for the things you enjoy outside of work, whether that's spending time with whānau and friends, enjoying a hobby, getting outdoors, listening to music or simply having some quiet time.

Having a healthy separation between work and your personal life can help you switch off and recharge.

4. Stay connected

Healthcare work can sometimes feel isolating, particularly when you're working different shifts or moving between workplaces.

Make time for the people who help you feel supported. Catch up with a friend, call a family member or talk to someone you trust when things feel difficult.

You don't have to deal with everything on your own. Reaching out can be an important first step when you need some extra support.

5. Give yourself time to recharge

Rest is an important part of looking after yourself. After a particularly demanding shift, give yourself permission to take some time to recover.

If you work temporary or agency shifts, flexibility can be a benefit, but it's still important to recognise when you need time away from work. Taking a break doesn't mean you're less committed to your patients or your profession. It gives you the opportunity to return to work rested and ready to care for others.

Feeling overwhelmed? Support is available

Sometimes rest and self-care aren't enough. If you're finding things difficult or feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to manage it alone.

At Medcall, our nurses and support workers have access to EAP services (Employee Assistance Programme), providing brief, solution focused, confidential support when you need someone to talk to.

If you're a Medcall team member and would like to access EAP, speak with our team to find out more about the support available to you.

Your wellbeing matters too

Healthcare workers spend so much of their time looking after others that it can be easy to forget about themselves.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself and think about what helps you feel supported, rested and well.

Because caring for others also means making time to care for yourself.