Page 24 - Impression April 2020

Success Story

How I Stay Healthy While Working in the ER

Allison Smith, Suburban Hospital:

Working in the ED (emergency department) can
be very stressful. It is not the healthiest work
environment. I take steps throughout my shifts to

make sure I’m being as healthy as possible
throughout the day. The other nurses and I sit on

stools instead of typical chairs to document at the
nurse’s station. This encourages us to sit less
and promotes better posture. In the ED, time to
eat a full meal is very limited. I drink a protein
shake for breakfast and bring multiple healthy
snacks like rice crackers, almonds, veggies or
fruit to eat throughout the day to keep my
metabolism active.

I make a conscious effort not to add any salt to my food or when preparing meals for
other people. Instead, I love using fresh herbs, citrus and spices to add flavor. I have
been able to reduce my stress by practicing slow deep breathing throughout my shift
and at the end of my shift before I drive home. I often need to take a moment by
myself to decompress and unwind after a hectic shift in the ED.

Have you kept your blood pressure down? Join Healthy at Hopkins as we focus on
healthy blood pressure this year. Visit the Healthy Start resource page in the
Programs section on the new Healthy at Hopkins portal. It includes tools and onsite

events to help you attain and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Follow us on Twitter, @HealthyHopkins, to share how you stay #HealthyatHopkins.