Let’s face it—nurse life is go-go-go, with a side of “did I even pee today?” If you’re a fellow nurse, you already know the hustle. And if you’re not, welcome to a peek inside the caffeine-fueled, compression-sock-wearing world we live in. As a wound and ostomy care nurse in my 40s (aka Team Skin & Poop Forever), I’ve learned that if I don’t intentionally care for myself, I’m basically a wound waiting to happen.
So here it is: my five non-negotiable wellness habits that help me stay sane, energized, and skin-glow ready—even after back-to-back shifts, charting marathons, and the occasional code brown 💩.
1. Hydration Like It’s My Job 💧
You’ve heard it before—but are you actually doing it? I used to tell patients to hydrate while nursing a 5-hour-old iced coffee. Now, I keep a big, straw-top water bottle with me always. Dehydration doesn’t just mess with energy—it slows digestion, dries out skin, and increases fatigue (aka nurse Kryptonite). Bonus: well-hydrated skin heals faster. Yes, even Grandma’s elbow knows.
Pro tip: Add electrolytes for long shifts or hot units.
2. Magnesium = My Gut MVP 🧠💩
Stress + inconsistent meals = gut drama. And let’s not even talk about night shifts. Magnesium glycinate or citrate helps keep my motility on point and my poops regular without being too harsh (especially helpful for ostomy folks too!). My skin even looks calmer when my gut’s happy.
3. Skin Care: The 3-Minute Nurse Version 🧴✨
Here’s the deal: you don’t need a 15-step Korean skincare routine. I swear by this trio:
- Gentle cleanser (because hospital air = yuck)
- Vitamin C serum (brightens, boosts healing)
- Mineral sunscreen (for that hospital parking lot sun)
Even after a 12-hour shift in a mask, your skin can bounce back with just a little consistency. Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you never see the light of day during your shift. That fluorescent lighting still ages you, friend. 😏
4. Meal Prep That Loves My Gut (and Skin) 🥗
I try to prep 2-3 gut-friendly meals/snacks that are easy to grab. Think:
- Greek yogurt + chia + berries (probiotics + fiber)
- Roasted veggies + quinoa + salmon (skin fuel!)
- A stash of almonds and dark chocolate in my locker (don’t judge, it’s balance)
I avoid overly processed snacks that mess with my gut (and cause breakouts) and aim for meals that keep my blood sugar steady and my mood less hangry.
5. Sleep, Even If It’s Weirdly Scheduled 😴
I know, I know—night shift ruins everything. But I treat sleep like medicine. Eye mask. White noise. Magnesium at night. No scrolling before bed. When I’m well rested, I’m kinder, quicker on my feet, and my skin isn’t screaming “fatigue” from across the nurse’s station.
Bonus: Laugh Often & Poop Regularly 😄💩
Listen, I talk about poop for a living—might as well have fun with it. Nurse burnout is real, but wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about building realistic habits that keep your gut happy, your skin glowing, and your energy up. You don’t need perfection. Just progress.
⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.
