Setting Boundaries
The phrase, ‘setting boundaries’ may cause you to cringe. And you might find it difficult to say ‘No’. I mean you are a caring, professional Nurse and people need you 24/7.
You signed up for that, right? In fact, almost everything you learned in Nursing school, and in many experiences at work, have told you to put your patient’s first, at all cost. Even to the detriment of your body, mind and soul.
Where are the boundaries?
Not Setting Boundaries
Not setting boundaries is so exhausting. I know first hand, because I never set boundaries either. I put everyone and everything before my own needs. And it resulted in me burning out, big time!
Not setting boundaries comes at such a great cost.
Insomnia
Anxiety
Irritability
Apathy
Hopelessness
Feelings of detachment and disengagement
Depression
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Headaches
And the list goes on
Yes, you put the patient first, their safety and wellbeing are your responsibility. This is what you have been taught since day one, and you do it so well. This is why the Gallup polls have rated Nurses as the most honest and ethically sound twenty-two years and counting (doctors and pharmacists are rated 2 and 3)!
What Could Happen if You Put Yourself First?
What could happen if you put yourself first. What would happen if you valued your safety, your wellbeing just as high as your patients? Your safety and your wellbeing are also your responsibility, since no one will be able to keep you safe and well like YOU can.
In fact, no one will keep you safe, or look out for your responsibility as effectively as YOU!
The Nurse Owes the Same Duties to Self as to Others
Provision 5 of the Nursing Code of Ethics states: The Nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth.
And, what's the best that could happen if you set boundaries for yourself, both at work and at home?
I’d love to share with you what one Nurse is doing to set boundaries at work, at home and at play. I hope that one thing resonates with you, and you' pick up a tip to try for yourself.
There’s only one you, and I want you to stay happy, healthy and thriving as a Nurse, Mom, Uncle and human.
Here is what Registered Nurse Sara Choi from New York, NY says about Setting Boundaries.
Sara Choi
Sara Choi has been a Nurse for 15+ years in critical care, most of it in the ED, which led her to pursue her own self-care and, ultimately, she became a Holistic Nurse.
Sara says…
To prevent burnout I implement these practices:
take breaks
respond or act (to texts, emails, etc.) when I feel led, not based on obligation or others' expectations
go outside- take big breaths of fresh air, take a walk & notice what's around me & appreciate the moment
laugh at silliness- mine, others, society's
move my body- jogging, biking, walking, dancing
book little trips away to look forward to
get together with friends & share lots of laughs- comedy shows, funny stories
“Saying no to someone or something is not necessarily saying “no” to someone or something, it’s shifting “the yes” back to me and what aligns with what I’m called to.”
What tips would you share with a fellow Nurse who is struggling to set boundaries?
Leave a comment to inspire other Nurses.
Nicole A. Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC
Nicole’s dream is to honor Nurses every day of her life, so she’s devoted her time and energy into doing just that here at the Restoration Room!
Nicole combines 20+ years of nursing experience with 30+ years of fitness + health coaching to uncover your most authentic expression of wellbeing.
She is a board-certified Integrative Nurse Coach, menopause fitness specialist, brain health trainer, and a group fitness, yoga, and tai chi instructor. She is also Reiki 2 certified and is learning sound healing.
She specializes in protecting your health through habits and behaviors that support your brain and body health at Restoration Room, LLC.
Nicole is passionate about everything she does, and especially loves creating safe, restorative communities. She loves exploring Tucson’s nature, finding solace with her cat-babies and traveling with her awesome husband.
