The Key to Staying Balanced and Enjoying Your Career

In my 20 years as a nurse and educator, one thing has remained constant: the ability to manage yourself is one of the most important skills you can develop. Nursing is unpredictable and demanding, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Mastering self-management is the difference between feeling overwhelmed and truly enjoying your role.

When I look back on my own career, I realise that the periods where I felt the most balanced and fulfilled were the times when I had a good handle on self-management. It’s not just about managing time or tasks—it’s about managing your energy, emotions, and priorities in a way that allows you to thrive, both professionally and personally.

Have I fully mastered this to the point where this skill is now eternally embedded? Absolutely not! Anyone who tells you that this is a no-brainer for them is likely either in denial or delusional. Every time we are placed in a new environment or facing a significant change to the way we work, we have to shift a little and see how this self-management might look with these different variables. The great thing though is the skills you have learnt will allow you to adapt quickly and without the emotional rollercoaster you may have been used to and this alone is liberating.

What Does Self-Management Mean in Nursing?

Self-management goes beyond simply getting through your to-do list. It means being intentional with how you approach your day, proactively handling challenges, and protecting your well-being along the way.

For me, self-management has meant learning how to:

• Prioritise tasks so I can focus on what truly matters.

• Recognise and respect my limits—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

• Take responsibility for my own energy and mindset, so I don’t get bogged down by the chaos around me.

When you practice self-management, you’re not just reacting to the demands of the day—you’re creating a plan to manage your time and energy, which allows you to stay in control, even in the busiest shifts.

Managing Your Time and Energy

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that time management is really about energy management. You could have all the time in the world, but if you’re exhausted or stressed, you’re not going to make the best use of it.

In nursing, our days are long, and often filled with emotionally and physically draining tasks. That’s why it’s critical to:

• Plan breaks and moments of rest during your shift. Taking just a few minutes to recharge can make a world of difference in how you feel at the end of the day.

• Learn to say no to tasks or shifts that will push you past your limits. This is not about being unwilling to help—it’s about knowing your boundaries so you can be effective without burning out.

• Delegate tasks when appropriate. Nursing is a team effort, and you don’t have to carry everything on your own. Delegating allows you to focus on what’s most important while ensuring your team functions smoothly.

Emotional Self-Management: Navigating the Ups and Downs

As nurses, we deal with emotionally charged situations every day. Whether it’s a patient’s difficult diagnosis, family dynamics, or the stress of a high-pressure environment, emotional self-management is key to maintaining your joy in the role.

For me, it was a turning point when I began to recognise my own emotional triggers. I realised that in order to stay balanced, I needed to:

• Check in with myself regularly. How am I feeling today? Am I carrying stress from one patient interaction into the next? Taking a moment to reflect helps me keep my emotions in check so that they don’t overwhelm me.

• Practice mindfulness during shifts. Staying present in the moment—not dwelling on what just happened or worrying about what’s next—helps me stay grounded. It’s easy to get lost in the rush, but when I’m mindful, I feel more in control.

• Seek support when needed. Whether it’s debriefing with a colleague or talking to a supervisor, don’t be afraid to reach out when you need to process difficult emotions. We’re all in this together.

Why Self-Management Leads to Greater Job Satisfaction

When you have a good handle on self-management, everything else becomes easier. You feel more in control, less stressed, and more present with your patients. You also experience less burnout because you’re actively protecting your own well-being.

Self-management isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out—it’s about being intentional with how you spend your time and energy so that you can enjoy your role as a nurse, even on the toughest days.