Many nurses have works spaces where they can chart and are allowed to have ‘personal things’ displayed. This really helps the entire staff to know a little bit about you as a nurse and a person. Conversations get started that are refreshing and not work related making the tone more relaxed for everyone. Please take advantage of these opportunities. Put up family pictures, pictures of your pets, postcards from your last vacation, or even a thank you card or two from patients. Like most of us we spend eight to twelve hours at work, so make this space a “home away from home”. This you will find will make you feel good, refocuses your mind and brings calmness into your day. I’ve seen pictures, smiley faces and children’s drawings in the inside of nurses lockers. These pictures and things are simple reminders of why we are ‘really’ there at work for. These simple joys will uplift you when you feel a bit sad as well. Remember to change these pictures and ‘warm fuzzies’ frequently to keep a positive focus and relaxed feeling growing. What you are doing is nurturing yourself and you deserve it.
