We all experience some form of stress throughout our lives. Whether it is dealing with school, work, home or just social situations. These situations can lead to frustration and overwhelming moments causing anxiety, pain, nervousness, sadness, worry and possible sleep deprivation. There are four types of categories that stress can occur: physical, mental, behavioral and emotional. In order to deal with stress, we must prioritize for self-care moments. Find relaxing techniques with deep breathing and support systems. Eating healthier and getting more rest. We must find the courage and strength within to develop a positive emotional environment whereby you are taking it one moment at a time and continuing with the tasks at hand. Finding the help and support needed. So, with that said in relation to ourselves, how do you think your patients or even your long-term care residents feel? Their entire life is turning upside down from illness to possible changes in living condition. This definitely becomes overwhelming and can be a chronic issue. That is why it is so important for us to find effective stress relievers calming the mind and body.
As nursing assistants, you can provide respect, comfort and reassurance by your presence and care. The same emotional support goes for your patients/residents that you use. Encourage relaxation and slow deep easy breathing. This helps them to focus, calm down and listen better. Begin by introducing yourself always and tell them what you can do to help them. Address them by their sir names and ask what they would like to be called. To make them more at ease and to help with your connection with them ask questions pertaining to their likes and dislikes and if they followed a specific routine at home. We are all unique individuals and have our own identities, we must try to help keep our patients own individualism the best we can. Keeping their pride and respect intact. Helping to keep some form of routine will help. Take them on a tour of any new facility making the transition from home, hospital to a long term care a little easier. In order to gain trust and acceptance you should never rush any of the process to their changes, because this can lead to further anxiety and frustration. While you are talking with the patient/resident also take observance to their actions, moods and how they answer questions. This can help your health care team in managing the care of your patients. Your ability and accountability to detail can help with the challenges in making your residents feel as safe and secure and trusting as if they were in their own homes. Provide a positive atmosphere focusing on constructive actions that can help to alleviate stress by recognizing signs and symptoms of headaches, irritability, muscle tension this is how you help with the first steps of managing their stress. Their vitals can be elevated as well and if they have any form of pain this can also be adding to the stress.
You can help reduce the stress with in their lives by setting boundaries creating a more manageable environment for them. Encourage connections with family and friends. Provide emotional support. Nothing wrong with giving someone a hug for encouragement. Hugging releases a hormone of oxytocin which increases happiness and lowers stress. I heard it referred to as the “cuddle hormone”. Shows you care and you are building a relationship of trust. Having new residents join in on activities will help by giving them a feeling of belonging and being a part of a new group. Find their interests in painting, reading, music whatever it takes to make them feel welcomed and respected. If their eyesight is a problem find audio books that can help. As for the pain management find out where the pain is, what causes it, how severe is the pain. Report the pain to the team leader for medication and possibly reposition of body alignment would help.
I worked with an awesome team and we had a nurse who helped alleviate stress to our patients with aromatherapy and hand massages. It was a wonderful way for us to connect with our patients. She in turn educated the nursing assistants on her technique and they continued with other patients. It did help alleviate some of their anxiety and even pain. By providing a calming atmosphere also helps with the mindset and healing process of our patients.
It takes a strong person to deal with tough situations and make difficult choices, but we all have a courage within us to move forward and make life better for ourselves and others. You gain your strength and courage by your experiences you encounter by becoming more centered, improving quality and bringing harmony to a more balanced acceptable life.
