Self-Care for Nurses

Nurses in psychiatric settings are especially exposed to the effects of mental confusion and emotional anxiety. We might speak of feeling energetically drained by the distress that surrounds us, of being fragmented or scattered, and of feeling pulled in many directions. We correctly sense that we need to "get it together," to "recharge our batteries," and to gain a sense of our own center. These descriptions of our energy levels correctly describe conditions in the human energy field. Seeing our interactions with others as the movement between human energy fields gives us an enhanced way of understanding what really occurs in nurse-client exchanges.

The well-recognized nurse theorist Martha Rogers researched quantum physics extensively. She noted how fields surrounding matter create an effect on surrounding particles. This can be seen readily with a magnet and the path scattered metal pieces will make to align with the invisible energy field of the magnet. The effects of energy fields can also be seen in schools of fish and the ways birds in flight hold together in a pattern as if they were one unit. Rogers expanded the concept of energy fields from physics to conceptualize the interconnectedness of all human interactions with each other and with the environment. Of special relevance to her were nurse-client interrelationships, the foundation of her theory of unitary human beings (Rogers, 1980).

Using Rogers's model, we see that one person, who is an energy field, influences other fields nearby. Our focused intent can help to expand and balance our personal energy field. However, if we are scattered, fragmented, and unaware, our field can become very deplete; we may even unwittingly begin to take on some of the pain that is present in our clients' fields. Thus, we see the importance of being centered, especially in the midst of chaos, stress, and confusion.

According to the work of Rogers and related theorists, we can calm the disturbed energies around us by effecting change in our own energy fields. It is as if focusing our thoughts and intentions creates a vibrational pattern that emanates outward, creating a higher frequency in the client's depleted field through resonance. Conversely, if we are not full focused or intent on creating a sense of calm our field can be influenced toward chaos from our challenging surroundings. In psychiatric nursing, then, we use our minds as well as our energy fields to restore a sense of balance and wholeness.

Figure 31-1 provides a basic understanding of human energy field interaction, showing how we may assist the client's energy field by allowing energy to flow from our fuller, more balanced field to the diminished field of the client, in the way water flows from a fuller area in a hose to an emptier one. The image again underscores the importance of engaging in on-going self-care, in order to be sure our field is restored before, during, and after each stressful interaction, whether with clients, co-workers, or superiors.

The three exercises that follow give beginning steps in working with your energy field. A number of courses especially designed for nurses and other health care professionals are available to learn energy-oriented healing, such as Transformational Pathways, Therapeutic Touch, and Healing Touch (see Chapter Resources).

EXERCISES

Centering

This practice, once established, should take only 30 to 60 seconds to accomplish, so that you can recenter continuously throughout the workday, especially before approaching a client or doing something new, difficult, or unknown.

Release tension quickly with several deep breaths and full exhalations. Feel the earth under your feet supporting you and enhancing your energy field. Set your intent for the work you are about to do, deciding to be fully present to your client at this time. If needed, review the steps of what you hope to accomplish in the interaction with your client. Ask that whatever occurs be for the highest good of the client, even when you have no idea what the most desirable outcome would be. Affirm that you are fully present with your compassionate intuition and knowledge.

Sensing the Protective Layers in Your Field

Any time you are feeling vulnerable or unprotected, take a moment to sense your human energy field. The major layers of the field extend out about as far as your arms can comfortably reach in all directions around your body, the sides, the front, and the back.

Use your mind's eye to visualize your energy field as a protective egg of golden light that shines out from your inner center. If you wish, move your arms around you to strengthen the sense of your field, releasing and brushing out any tension. (If it is not appropriate to do this in your work environment, imaging brushing down your arms and releasing tension so your field in unencumbered.) If you are in need of strong boundaries around a difficult individual, let the protective layers build slowly and become thicker to form an invisible shield. If you want to make sure you can receive good messages from the other person, think of the field as a selective semipermeable membrane that lets positive qualities in and bars the harmful vibrations. Reinforce the sense of your confident, protective field throughout the workday.

Filling with Energy from the Universal Energy Field

The supply of energy in the universe is literally unlimited. The actual physical nature of the sun, generating the visible light that has nurtured all life on this planet for over 10 billion years, is a good metaphor. Even when we cannot see the sun, its energy is present and we can tap into our internal image of its power.

Sitting or lying down comfortably, release tension with the breath and access the sense of inner peace that may come by being in your favorite place. Let yourself be surrounded by the warmth and nurturing of the sun as well as any other force in nature that is especially meaningful to you. With the breath, bring golden sunlight into your body, let it flow to each major body organ, let it flow with the bloodstream, the immune system, the endocrine system, and so forth. Let each body organ glow with an inner smile as it receives the nurturing warmth. Feel the sunlight accumulating in the energy field's storage area, the solar plexus. Note that this stored energy will be available to you in dark or difficult times. If you wish, place your hands over the solar plexus to feel the continued support of the unlimited supply of energy from the universal energy field. Gently return to full daytime awareness, feeling relaxed and refreshed.