Clinical Wellness

You care for patients every day, but you can’ t be at your best if you neglect your own health. Even the strongest need a reminder now and then. So, here’ s your gentle reminder— and a checklist— to prioritize your own health.

1. Schedule Your Screenings That colonoscopy? It’ s not going to schedule itself. Same goes for your mammogram and Pap smear. Preventive care is powerful. Be sure to keep up with doctor’ s orders.

2. Get Your Vaccines Flu, COVID, shingles, Tdap— whatever’ s recommended for your age and exposure risk. You protect others every day; make sure you’ re protected too.

3. Prioritize Sleep You can’ t pour from an empty cup— or a sleep-deprived brain. Shut off your screens at least 30 minutes before bed. Read a book instead, then turn off the light.

4. Hydrate Like You Mean It We get it: Coffee is important. But water is essential. Keep a refillable bottle nearby and aim to drink throughout your shift. Your skin, kidneys and energy levels will thank you.

5. Moisturize and Check Your Skin You know how important the skin is to overall health. Moisturize often, and add a skin cancer check to those screenings too.

6. Move Your Body Your FitBit isn’ t just for decoration. Take the stairs, walk the long way to the break room, or get outside for a few minutes of fresh air and a change of scenery.

You are not just a nurse— you are a whole human being. And you deserve the same care and attention you give to others. Remember: self-care isn’ t selfish. It’ s healthy.

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30 Healthy Skin Issue 16 / Fall 2025