Hello all nurse heroes! I think about your struggles during every waking moment, how difficult this pandemic must be for you. I have to say I was proud of the nurse practitioner who stood up to the President saying that her facility did not always have PPE. But that is us, isn’t it? We speak up for our patients safety and now, more than ever, our safety.
I am taking a Guided Imagery course with Coursera. My final assignment was to create a guided imagery. Now, I have never done this before so don’t be too critical, or heck yes, be critical! The purpose of the imagery is to use pre-shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to hearing from you if it is worthy or not and any suggestions. Unfortunately I cannot copy the Mp4 over because of site restrictions, but below is the script. If anyone is interested in the audio, let me know and I will send it to you.
Guided Imagery; Pre-Shift Anxiety for Nurses in the Time of COVID-19
Today we will try an exercise. A technique called guided imagery. Guided imagery can take you to a place of deep relaxation and reflection. You are not required to do anything, and you cannot do the session the wrong way. So, let us get started.
Close your eyes ~ rest your hands in your lap or wherever they feel comfortable ~ take a long deep breath that fills your belly then ribs then chest, pause ~ release your breath through your mouth with your lips pursed ~ take in another long deep breath, filling your belly, ribs, and chest pause ~ release your breath through your mouth with your lips pursed ~ one last time, take a long deep breath filling your belly, your ribs, and then your chest, pause ~ let go of your breath in an audible hahhhh ~ now imagine your favorite place, at home, in nature, with your family, wherever that place may be. Feel the ground underneath you firm yet endless ~ as you stand root deep down into the earth ~ now rooted in happiness and confidence. Feel the air, is there a breeze? What do you smell, fresh cut grass, the pines in a forest, the desert after a rain, or home-baked chocolate chip cookies? Whatever aroma matches your favorite place. Stay here for 3 long deep breaths. Breathe in deeply, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of where you are ~ pause ~ and breath out slowly ~ repeat again breathe in deeply luxuriantly experiencing with all your senses and breathe out slowly. One more time breathe deeply and if you like add a smile to your face, your peaceful and happy place. Now, remember this feeling as you start your day.
With your eyes still closed come back to this room we are sitting in together, keeping your breathing deep and long. Breathe into any anxious feeling you have in your mind or your body. Breathe deeply into this space as we start your day, in your mind, right now ~~~
See yourself receiving report for the patients of the day. You know that some of your patients are suffering with the virus, but you breathe into the anxiety rising up in your mind and body. Release that breath and thank the nurse for the detailed report she just gave you. Look around, at all your colleagues, here for the same purpose in this moment of time ~ here to care for the sick.
Now you will be ready to see your first patient ~ you wash your hands while taking in 3 long deep breaths, dry your hands and put on the protection you will need to enter the room. Remember in your mind that favorite place, bring that rooted confidence with you as you enter. See the patient in front of you, so thankful for your presence, so needing of your gentle confidence. You remember why you became a nurse, to be a healer, to do the best you can to bring comfort to your patients ~ take a deep breath and take in the love that this patient and all the others send your way ~ linger here, just for a moment ~~~
Now gently bring your mind back to your body. Feel your toes, wiggle them as you start to ask yourself to come back from your journey. Feel your hands, they may tingle or feel warm. Remember the images and the breath into your anxiety ~ Remember to use that breath throughout your day. Feel your heart filled with love and compassion for yourself as you start your day ~ Open your eyes.
Thinking of all of you with love and gratitude,
Kim
The Integrative Nurse 