I think one practice for me during stressful working conditions to stay grounded is to always stay positive, planning is important, working strategically, stay calm, and keep happy thoughts thinking twice before you react and placing myself in the other persons place. Networking with right people always helps.
My planning involves delegation of tasks to my junior staff early allowing an efficient day to survive any surprise resuscitation or long counselling session.
EG. Whilst allocated to a busy ward my day starts by allocation of resuscitation duties on a black board to all staff in the ward.
Monthly unit meetings to address deficiencies in resources, hygiene, staffing, different roles, fire drills & resus drills and training sessions and ultimately discussing how we can improve teamwork.
In my team I try to ensure we are all transparent and open to communication to reduce any confusion and avoid any frustration and burn out.
Briefings and debriefings are essential especially following a death.
We must support our colleagues with acknowledgement of good work to boost their morale and reinforce wanting to attend work everyday.
We collaborate with our available MDT for added support and this occurs early every morning.
In terms of self care most of the time I witness my colleagues being sucked into the monotony of stress and it inevitably ruins their days and their health.
Personally I believe one must have a wellness routine eg, gym, spa, massages, good sleep culture to recharge.
It is here where a team should make you feel safe to express ourselves. I personally feel this will assist us HCW to deliver more together
