There’s nothing we love to see more than nurses helping nurses. Why? Because nurses have unique needs, situations and challenges, and few are better equipped to help a nurse in a pinch, then, well—another nurse.

And since we can’t be on the ground with all of you lovely people, we thought we might recommend a small, highly localized project that every unit can benefit from: The Break Room Survival Guide. Now, this doesn’t have to be anything fancy or time-consuming—just a three-ring binder full of helpful, hospital-specific information that every nurse can contribute to on their own time (think: post-ramen, pre-charting).

Of course, we aren’t going to leave ya hangin’. So we went ahead and brainstormed a few jumping-off points for useful facts, tips and tidings that a survival guide might include.

1

Grub

• Nearby Restaurants Open 24 Hours

Where can a night-shift nurse go for breakfast at 2am? What about a healthy late-night dinner?

• Take Out

Who’s delivering well into those questionable “late-night or early morning?” hours? Include take-out menus with oh-so-yummy dishes highlighted.

• Nurse-Approved Happy Hour Spots

2

Local helping hands (who to call and how to reach ’em)

• Babysitters

Contact information for vetted, flexible babysitters. Who’s available overnight? Odd hours? Last minute?

• Dog-Walkers
• Tutors (for the kiddos)

Contact information for trusted tutors who can be the learning charge while Mom or Dad is on duty. Who’s available to come to the house? Who caters to a specific age or area of study?

• Tutors (for nurses)

Contact information for local tutors geared toward nurses juggling both work and school. Are there any supplemental online classes or educational resources that a grad student can utilize? What about suggested courses?

3

Health and Fitness

• Local Gyms 

Where are all the 24-hour gyms? What about those open later or earlier than usual? Is there a class that’s totally geared toward specific nursey needs, such as relieving lower back pain or tension?

• Personal Trainers 

Contact information for trainers who can work with and respond to a chaotic schedule. Who’s great at holding busy folks accountable? Who knows when to lay off the pedal?

• Local Trails and Paths 

For walkers, runners or bikers at any level.

• Favorite Healthy Recipes

Ideas for easy, affordable and make-ahead meals. What’s a nutritious and filling breakfast that can be thrown together in five minutes or less? What about a hand-me-down slow-cooker recipe that cooks itself and lasts for days (in a good way)?

4

Whatcha readin’?

• Quick ‘n’ easy reads
• Ultra-informative texts
• Inspirational books by and for nurses

5

Staying sane (a potpourri of recommendations)

• Favorite local getaways: 

Is there an affordable, relatively local bed-and-breakfast just ripe for a staycation? Can reservations be altered or canceled free of charge?

• Quality walk-in massage parlor: 

Do they exist? Where can a nurse who’s wound a little too tightly find one nearby?

• Classes or activities just perfect for relieving stress:

Wine and paint nights, flexible club teams, dance or yoga classes, one-off cooking classes, local meet ‘n’ greets—you name it.