Modelling self-care to your team

Managers of nurses and midwives play a crucial role in shaping a healthy workplace. But to support their teams effectively, they need to be healthy and supported themselves.

Stay healthy and model healthy strategies to your team. Build a culture where workplace wellbeing is a priority. 

Try these practical tips: 

• Create your own self-care plan (try the Black Dog Institute self-care plan template).
• Try professional coaching or supervision.
• Prioritise team health - everyday processes and structures, like rostering, often have the biggest impact
• Collaborate with other managers to make team health a shared responsibility.
• Encourage each team member to create their own self-care plan.
• Check in daily with team members. Ask: “Are you OK?” and listen.
• Add health check-ins to your team meeting agenda.
• Build health initiatives into your quality or improvement plans.
• Provide health resources to your team (try our self-health check).
• Remember that looking after yourself is the first step in leading a healthy team culture.

References

• How exceptional leadership can improve retention and ignite better nursing and midwifery care, 2023, Australian and Nursing Federation Journal
• How to use self-care planning to improve your emotional wellbeing, even when you don't think you need it, Black Dog Institute.