Night Routine After a Trauma Day in the OR as a RN
Not every shift ends clean. Some days, you leave the OR and the weight follows you home. Yesterday we had a multiple trauma from a rollover—hours of surgery, a lot of unknowns, and the kind of quiet tension that lingers even after you clock out.
After a big trauma case, everything hits at once—the mental overload, the physical exhaustion, the weight of what just happened. You walk out of the OR still replaying moments in your head while your body feels like it’s been hit by a truck. Now imagine that 3 more times. We had not one, not two, but three trauma’s back to back. I usually don’t say much after a shift like that. I shower, eat something simple, and try to ground myself with something quiet, like a show or a walk, so I can actually fall asleep without carrying it all into the next day.
People think nurses are just “resilient,” but honestly, we’re constantly learning how to recover. This is what that looks like for me.
Working as a registered nurse (RN) in the operating room (OR), especially during multiple trauma cases, can take an immense toll on both mental and physical well-being. The emotional weight of managing critical situations, such as rollovers with multiple trauma victims, often lingers well beyond the shift, impacting sleep, mood, and overall health. To combat the stress and aid recovery, many nurses develop a deliberate night routine aimed at grounding themselves after chaotic days. This routine might start with showering to physically and psychologically cleanse oneself from the day's intensity, creating a sense of renewal. Eating a simple, nourishing meal helps replenish energy without adding digestive stress, fostering physical recovery. Engaging in quiet, calming activities like watching a show or taking a gentle walk encourages relaxation and distracts from replaying stressful moments in the mind. These grounding practices are key to preventing the mental overload that can disrupt restful sleep. Additionally, cultivating mindfulness or breathing exercises before bedtime can further reduce anxiety, aiding in falling asleep faster and improving sleep quality. Recognizing that resilience is a skill nurses continually develop—not an inherent trait—empowers individuals to seek and establish personalized recovery routines. Support systems at work and home also play crucial roles. Sharing experiences with colleagues familiar with the demands of trauma nursing can alleviate feelings of isolation. Nurses are encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek professional mental health support if the weight of trauma becomes overwhelming. Ultimately, a structured night routine tailored to ease the transition from high-stress shifts to restful nights is essential for sustainable nursing practice. Integrating physical cleansing, simple nutrition, calming distractions, and mindfulness enhances recovery, allowing nurses to continue providing critical care without sacrificing their own health.