For those outside the healthcare industry in NSW right now, it’s difficult to comprehend just how challenging it is. Resilient agency nurses like you are filling vacancies in hospitals and screening clinics, vaccination hubs and community facilities, with feelings of being stretched thin. So inside this post, we look at 7 strategies that will focus on looking after yourself outside the workplace and give you the lift you’re searching for within it.

1. Embrace COVID Free Time

You’ve probably heard the saying “XXX in moderation is ok” and this includes COVID-themed news. So take a moment to disconnect all push notifications that frequently occupy space on your phone’s home screen. This includes news apps, podcast updates, work emails, group chats obsessed with pandemic announcements and all talk of vaccines and case numbers. You hear enough at work.

When not working, make a conscious effort to take yourself away from COVID wherever possible. Watch a new binge-worthy TV show, actively participate in a virtual book club, start a veggie garden, cook something delicious and connect with your funniest friend. Though lockdown is consuming and grim at times, lighter, positive people and tasks are all around if you know where to look. 

    2. Soak Up The Sun

Can you recall the last time the sun hit your skin? When working overtime, covered head to toe in personal protective equipment (PPE), there is little time left in the day to soak up the delightful rays, but we can’t give up.

According to the Cancer Council, when the UV Index is 3 or above (such as during summer), most people maintain adequate vitamin D levels just by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week.

When working day shift, can you sneak outside and enjoy your break instead of sitting in the stuffy tearoom? Or on your days off can you sit in your backyard or balcony and read your book, meditate or even take a nap outside? Your bones, muscles and mind will praise you for it.

    3.  Change Out of Your Scrubs

If you’re not already doing this, changing out of your scrubs / uniform you’re wearing on shift into something clean, comfortable (and not full of potential COVID particles) is a good habit to adopt.

Wearing “normal” clothes allows you to walk the streets and catch public transport (when able due to government restrictions). Getting home and throwing those contaminated clothes directly into the washing machine on a hot cycle also gives you peace of mind.

     4. Wash Your Face Before You leave Work

The moisture and bacteria which build up inside your N95 mask over an 8+ hour shift is enough to make any beautician squirm. And the results for us are embarrassing skin breakdown and painful acne.

Though predominantly unavoidable, why not give your face a quick wash or wipe using a product you adore (even if it’s expensive) and start afresh, before donning yet another mask to start your journey home? To take this one step further, investigate the shower facilities available for staff after your shift. The positive here might be the wonderful laundry staff will wash your towels for you!

        5. Search For Freebies

Jump on Google and search for “nursing freebies COVID in X” replacing the “X” with your suburb. The community support for nurses, midwives and healthcare support staff has been incredible and you might be able to score yourself a discounted meal or two.

       6. Stay Connected

The healthcare system during a pandemic is a vortex. Days upon days can quickly pass before you’ve touched base with your family and reached out to anybody besides those on shift with you.

You’ve probably found those outside the hospital system cannot fathom the struggles you are feeling right now and may not be the support you need. If this is the case for you, the Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) and the NSW Department of Health offer some incredible resources via their respective online portals. There are also very resourceful websites available such as R U OK?, which offers a list of helpful apps and support services.



However, in saying that, communicating with those outside the hospital setting may provide humor and a different perspective which can do wonders for your mood and general outlook.

       7. Treat Yourself

Hopefully, as a result of working tirelessly, you’ve accumulated some extra pocket money. As we can’t exactly spend it on an international holiday escape, you are well within your rights to reward yourself with nicer skincare, a silk pillowcase, 1000 thread count sheets, a diffuser with relaxing oils, a quality yoga mat, durable shoes (which are tax-deductible) and even a shakti mat which can help you relax before bed. Giving yourself the physical tools to cope with this relentless situation may help improve your sleep quality and allow you to adequately wind down.

In summary, you are doing an unbelievable job. As a fellow nurse and healthcare worker, there is an element of excitement playing our roles through a pandemic, though for most, the novelty has worn away. Take a moment to digest the suggestions given throughout this post and consider adopting a couple to keep you looking forward. Remember, the team at NNA is here for you. If you’re struggling please contact them and together we can develop a strategy for the future.

Thank you for everything you do and remember, you are not alone in this!

Emma Smith

Registered Nurse