6 Self-Care Items I Can’t Live Without After a 12hr Shift
I’ve been an operating room nurse for almost 11 years now and I learned very early on that self care is not optional unless you want to burn out after a month. 12-hour shifts can be long and grueling so finding a way to relax and unwind when you get home should be a top priority. The items listed below are things I use to help me do just that. While some of these may not be useful to you, I hope they can help lead you to items that are. They are in no particular order and can be used all together or separately. Click on each picture to be taken to the Amazon listing.
Please note that I am not benefiting from you clicking on or purchasing any of these items, the links are strictly there to make your life easier. Also note that I am not a doctor and I would advise you to consult one before using some of these items.
Warming Slippers
My feet are usually sore after walking/standing for 12 hours straight, but these slippers surround my feet with heat and melt the tension and soreness away. The linked picture is the pair I purchased, but there are many different varieties so you can find the one that works best for you. IMPORTANT: follow the instructions that come with your slippers to ensure you don’t burn your feet!
Compression Wrap
I use a knee compression wrap since that is my problem area, but there are compression wraps for many different body parts. Compression wraps can help reduce swelling and increase blood flow to the joint to speed up tissue healing. I wear a compression wrap with approval my doctor - speak with your doctor before trying a compression wrap.
Pain Cream
This cream is a cheaper alternative to some of the other natural pain creams currently on the market. You can get the regular cream shown to the left or you can get a roll-on which is what I use and highly recommend. There is a pleasant scent that is not overpowering and it gives my knee and neck a lot of relief. Menthol is the only active ingredient, but there are some other natural inactive ingredients. Make sure to check the ingredient list and consult a doctor prior to use.
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are known to reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, allowing you to relax and get better sleep. I use this blanket on the sofa instead of my bed to help me relax in the evenings after a long shift, but it’s a great option for either use. This particular blanket has many different color and weight options so you can find the perfect fit for you.
Electrolyte Drinks
Being an operating room nurse means that I do not take in a lot of water throughout the day since there are no drinks allowed on the actual unit. By the time I get home, I am parched. Dropping one of these tabs in a bottle of water is so easy and helps replace some of the electrolytes I’ve lost throughout the day. Obviously there are many, many different options for electrolyte drinks, but this is my favorite for a few reasons;
they come in a small tube that is extremely portable so I can carry it with me when I travel or stick one in my lunch bag to drink on my break
these tabs completely dissolve in water so there is no grit
I’m actually drinking water (with flavor) instead of a sugary sports drink
Whichever electrolyte drink you choose, staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes is the most important part. Always check ingredient lists and consult your doctor before ingesting.
Moisturizing Hand Cream
Gold Bond was always a staple in our house growing up because my mom always said it was the best. In my (un)biased opinion, she’s right. I’ve tried many different brands, but I would only recommend Gold Bond. After a day of using enough hand sanitizer to drown a small animal, this is exactly what my skin needs. For an extra kick, adding some lavender essential oil can help relax your hands too. Please check the ingredient list and do a patch test before applying all over your hands.
