As an RN myself, and a good one, I have struggled with this issue many years; some are better than others, and I have changed jobs fairly often, let go of opportunities to reduce my anxiety----taking a break right now, after 35+yrs, fearing ability to return, but I will, first through an agency I have worked for off and on for years (they are a good in-between escape; I go in, do the work, go home without getting involved in the "politics" "drama" etc---remain clinical and attentive...) and am on the edge financially pending the (hopeful) sale of my house. Do pursue the mindfulness, exercise, eat well, do whatever soothes you. One thing I do at work, is I go into the bathroom and wash my hands while breathing deeply, or, even in a room, just wash my hands and breathe. No one can fault a nurse for hand washing, and it gives a few moments to focus on a small, necessary activity while counting one-two-three-four in, one-two-three-four out.
I don't take my own advice as often as I should.
It is becoming clear to me that anxiety (& depression) is a major problem for many people in the work force----and yet we are not addressing this at all in the work place---
hmmm....
I wonder. I know there is research....I wonder if there is a place for one to create a role/service to work places in just this: managing stress, practicing relaxation before/after work/shift...[years ago when I worked in staff ed. "stress management" was the number one request for an in service when I surveyed the staff]