1. PREPARE FOR TOMORROW, TODAY It takes longer to get ready in the morning when you are not organised. Just getting a few things ready the night before will save you valuable time. Get your scrubs out and have them laid out, ready to wear before going to bed. Pack a lunch including fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats for lasting energy that will carry you through your day. It only takes about a month or so to form long lasting healthy habits. 2. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP AND EAT REGULAR MEALS Try going to the gym before you go to work? A good morning workout will clear your mind, and help reduce the stresses of the workday ahead. Working out in the morning will help you to sleep better at night. If you are struggling to catch sleep as a new nurse on night shift, make it a priority to figure out solutions. Some nurses swear by black-out curtains, some take melatonin before bed, some cut blue-light screen time a couple hours before sleep. 3. WATCH, LISTEN AND GET A MENTOR Although you’ve been hired for your skills and experience, it’s never too late to be a sponge, and soak in all the good advice. Take note of work styles and attitudes that most suit and inspire you, and always look out for potential mentors in both doctors and nurses, even if they work in a different department, and don’t be afraid to ask what you think are dumb questions. New nurses have a lot to learn, and if you think that you already know everything, how will you ever learn? 4. TAKE 5 ONCE IN A WHILE AND LOOK AFTER YOURSELF It might seem like you don’t have enough hours in the day to get even half of your to-do list checked off. But you can only put off taking care of yourself for so long. Our bodies are amazing, and can withstand a lot of added pressure with stress, lack of sleep and less than perfect lifestyle choices. Coffee and sugar can only go so far. It takes a little care on your behalf to maintain optimal health. Be aware of the subtle signs that might start as a niggle (like colds, digestive issues or other minor ailments) that gradually become more apparent until we listen. Don’t let a minor illness become the catalyst that starts you taking care of yourself. 5. USE YOUR COMMUTE TO GET YOUR HEAD SPACE RIGHT. Don’t be one of the many people who throws away the valuable asset of the daily work commute. Listen to music or anything that motivates you and allows you to feel happy and excited. Don’t depend on the radio, unless you like listening to the same thing over and over again. Make your own Good Vibes’ play-list, save it to your playlist. 6. REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR “WHY.” No matter how much preparation you do, there’s no escaping the fact that nursing work can be super stressful sometimes. If you find yourself so stressed you want to pull your hair out and run out the door screaming: • Walk away • Close your eyes • Massage your head • Take 5 deep inhales and exhales After all of that’s done, remind yourself why you became a nurse. Think about how what you do benefits so many people and always remember that you do it for the patients, for humanity; and for yourself.