New Year, New You: Becoming a Refreshed Medical-Surgical Nurse

January marks the start of a new year and is a perfect time for a refresh. What does it look like to be a refreshed medical-surgical nurse? We asked members of the AMSN Digital Content Committee to share their tips for self-care, goal setting, and advancing education in the new year. We hope their advice inspires you to consider what it means to become a “new you” in 2025.

Running is my self-care activity. I like to think that running also keeps me ready for the fast pace of medical-surgical nursing. I use the Nike Running app to track progress over time, including miles, times, and locations. The app also shares inspiring quotes. One of my favorites is: "Every step forward is in the right direction." Remember, progress not perfection. See you at the finish line! 

—Mark Lee, MS, BSN, RN, CMSRN

As a medical-surgical nurse, starting the new year refreshed can set a positive tone for both your personal and professional life. Take time to reflect on the past year, acknowledging your achievements and identifying areas for growth. To rejuvenate, prioritize self-care during your time off, such as getting adequate rest, engaging in activities you enjoy, and practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Set professional goals that align with your aspirations and the needs of your unit, such as enhancing your clinical skills, pursuing certifications like the CMSRN, or stepping into a leadership role. Consider creating a learning plan to stay updated on evidence-based practices or attending conferences to network and stay inspired. By combining self-care with a focus on growth, you'll be well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to your patients and team in the coming year. 

—Blaine Jumper, MSN, RN, CMSRN

As I take on this new year, I like to remind myself that God is the only one in control, and I am grateful for his never-ending love and support. Nursing is a rewarding profession, but there are some hurdles as well, which is why we as nurses need to foster a sense of love and compassion for ourselves so we can pour into others as more present and compassionate caregivers. Take time to care for your well-being, whether it be taking that class at the gym that intimidates you, meeting up with a friend for coffee, or simply doing an activity you enjoy. Maybe it’s time to revise your goals and make new deadlines. Revisit your passions and why you chose nursing. Take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on all the accomplishments you have achieved that you thought were not significant. Take the chance and apply for that advanced degree, and take the time to schedule your CMSRN exam. Take a chance on you.

The importance is you are initiating the start of the process. If emotions arise, such as worry or fear, acknowledge them, but then release them and remind yourself why you want to pursue that goal and JUST GO FOR IT! Remember we can only control what we can. The present moment is what matters; yesterday’s opportunities have passed, today is the present, and this may sound cliché but tomorrow is not promised, so why not try and do your best in the things you can control? The rest will play itself out. Wishing you all a happy new year of opportunities and a willingness to do more.

—Kristina Arellano BSN, RN, PHN

New Year, new you! When the new year begins, people often set new year’s resolutions they want to achieve. Some of those goals are far reaching while others may be smaller and incremental. My focus this year is just becoming better than I was the day before. I often feel that we do not extend ourselves enough grace and are sometimes our worst critics. I want to be intentional about learning from setbacks and challenges but also reminding myself that it is OK to “fail forward.”

I am also continuing to manage work-life integration with work, family, and myself. All three of these areas are important to me, and I must ensure I nourish them all. It is vital that we are not only physically present but also mentally present. To provide this dual presence, it is important to take care of myself. This looks different for everyone. For me, I enjoy quiet time and spaces to calm my mind, self-reflect, and refocus.

I am also looking forward to continuing my work on the AMSN Digital Content Committee. This is an amazing platform that allows easy, quick access for nurses to share knowledge and advance their profession. It is an honor to collaborate with like-minded nurses, and I am excited about increasing the reach of the Medical-Surgical Monitor.

—Deltra Muoki, PhD, APRN, AGNP-C, CMSRN, CNE, NE-BC

I believe we all need to carve out time to pursue activities that make us feel refreshed and re-energized. As medical-surgical nurses, we should prioritize our health and well-being as seriously as the care we provide to our patients. Being actively engaged in setting healthy boundaries and taking time to schedule vacations, enjoyable activities, or even lunch with a friend can help us unwind and relax. As nurses, we frequently push ourselves to work through fatigue, illness, and/or functioning in a caregiving role both in and outside of work. I think we have to assess our personal needs and deficits to identify how to achieve the growth we crave and happiness within ourselves to prevent burnout and frustration.

I read an article by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, researcher and author of the book "Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity.”  The premise of the article was that we need multiple types of rest to renew and energize our spirit. The groundwork for this idea resonated with me as a rubric to schedule “downtime” for myself.

We know we require physical rest to perform our jobs, renew our brain cells, and let our tired muscles recover. So why do we overextend ourselves by volunteering for projects, or staying up late? I find myself falling asleep in front of the TV and then having difficulty sleeping when I go to bed. I acknowledge my dysfunctional sleep pattern, and I’m working on reading, breathing exercises, listening to music, or meditating to establish healthy sleep. In the two weeks I have been utilizing this new approach to sleep, I feel rested and mentally sharper.

I had been using binge watching television shows to decompress, and I found myself uninspired and lacking inspiration to take on new projects at home. I had forgotten the benefits of restorative rest like yoga, stretching, or scheduling a massage to relax, renew, and improve flexibility and circulation. My plan is to attend a yoga class or view classes online to find ones I like and restart my yoga practice.

Mental rest allows us to decompress by taking a break from the computer screen, the unfinished tasks that weigh upon us, or the “to-do list” that keeps us awake at night. I am trying to journal regularly to release thoughts and emotions that percolate in my brain, disrupting sleep. I have struggled with staying focused on meditation and am trying out meditation apps to aid in calming my brain and improving sleep. I am hoping this will decrease the overstimulation I may feel after work.

Sensory rest is created by stepping away from computers, phones, bright lights, and conversations. I have chosen silence while driving home or listening to music that boosts or soothes my spirit, depending upon my mood. We all know how difficult it is to “disconnect” from our phones, but I have found staying engaged in an activity prevents me from checking texts or emails.

Creative rest is rediscovering the beauty of nature, viewing or creating art, or finding inspiration in creative expression. If you are drawn to needle crafts, visual arts, dance, or have a musical inclination, pursue it! The benefits of exploring your interests and expressing yourself can be empowering and open up hidden creativity. It can provide an outlet to release emotions, reengage past interests, or meet new friends. I am reflecting on all the beauty nature provides. Whether it is the sunrise driving to work that reflects a pink sky, the evergreen tree that shimmers with fresh snow, or a sunset that makes me smile, I am observing the beauty that often goes unnoticed when it’s been a hectic and overwhelming day. I am trying to take notice of the grace around us and reflect that inward to keep myself centered and supported. 

I challenge all of you to try some strategies to reawaken your thoughts, dreams, and goals for yourself. Nurses are incredibly creative, funny, and resourceful. We are often great storytellers, and we teach one another. Please share your journey with us by commenting/engaging on social media or submitting an article for the Monitor on strategies you are implementing to recharge and renew your own spirit. We want to hear how you are caring for yourself this year.

Resources:

Calm Breathe Bubble (Video with short breathing exercise and water sounds).

Dalton-Smith, S. (2017). “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity.”

Zen Color by Number (Free app that lets you choose what to color accompanied by soothing music).

—Deirdre Smith, MSN, RN, CMSRN

Additional resources:

• Med-Surg Moments podcast: Episode 132 – We Need to Talk About Nursing Wellness
• Monitor article: “Who Let the Dogs Out? Utilizing Animal Therapy for Stress Release in Nursing Teammates”
• Monitor article: “Mental Health Awareness Month: AMSN Resource Roundup”