Being both a mom and a nurse requires a certain level of balance and dedication. As a nurse, you have devoted yourself to your education and your career to provide the best possible care for your patients. As a mom, you have invested your time, your patience, and your compassion in order to make an impact on your child’s life.

Nurse moms have to work a little harder to achieve a work-life balance in order to be successful at their career and to be present at home. In fact, getting this work-life balance requires a certain level of mastery. But, what’s the best way to find this balance? Where do you even start?

Here are just a few tips that’ll help you master being both a nurse and a mom.

Ask yourself, ‘What are my priorities?’

Throughout your career, you probably would have to decide what jobs or duties are the most important to do at the moment. Motherhood is the same way. If you do not have any priorities in place, you’re going to have trouble sorting out which thing should have your attention at the moment.

To stay organized and on top of your career, you need to establish where exactly your priorities are. Establishing your priorities will give you an idea of how you are going to balance your professional life and your role as a mother.

Look out for your own child’s well-being

You take care of patients every day, don’t forget that you have a little one to take care of as well. When you are trying to make a name for yourself in your own career, it’s easy to get absorbed in it and neglect the issues your child has at home. So, how are you supposed to watch out for your child while you’re at work?

When looking out for your child’s well-being, consider these tips:

• Have someone care for them while you’re not at home and at work.
• Schedule quality time with your children.
• Take the time to invest in your child’s education.
• Stay present with your child. Be in the moment when spending time with them.

Use your time management skills

Nursing already requires a considerable amount of time management skills, so why not apply them at home? Figure out the best possible ways you can use your time as a mom and as a nurse. Try to establish a schedule that works for your whole family and stick to it. Here are some tips to stay organized with your time:

• Sometimes, hospitals and facilities offer a flexible schedule. If your workplace offers the same, find a shift schedule that works for you.
• Establish your family’s bedtime routine. Have your children go to bed at a set time and have them wake up at a set time.
• Keep a calendar to track your family’s events along with your work schedule.
• Share some of your duties at home with your partner. See how you both can take the burden of household chores.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

As both a nurse and a mom, you need to remember to take care of yourself and make it a priority. Self-care is a must because, let’s face it, if you don’t make sure you are taking care of yourself, you are putting your mental, emotional, and physical health at risk.

Practicing self-care might seem difficult, but it can be just as simple as communicating honestly with your partner or just taking a walk by yourself. Making some time for your own self is vital for your own health and well-being. Some other ways to practice self-care are:

• Exercise. Joining a local gym, walking, or running will help keep you moving.
• Find hobbies that interest you. Read a few of the books that you have always wanted to read, write down a few of your thoughts and create a story out of it. Or, even, listen to your favorite album.
• Make time to hang out with your friends. If you have issues of stress or negative thoughts, see a counselor and talk to them.

Are you nurse mom who has mastered both your work life and home life? Share your tips for other moms struggling with a work-life balance.