Your Going Home Checklist

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Many nurse leaders keep lists of the tasks they must do while at work. Lists can be valuable to keep you on track. Just as a checklist can guide you on what to focus on when you are working – it can also be used to help you set boundaries at work.

I like the concept of a going-home checklist. The National Health System in the UK first developed the checklist in 2019. Health systems have widely adopted the checklist in the US.  The idea behind the checklist is to be mindful of your health and well-being at the end of the day.  Mindfulness helps mental well-being, makes you feel better while reducing stress, and enables people to enjoy life more.

Step-by-step Going Home Checklist

1. Take a moment to think about your day.
2. Acknowledge one thing that was difficult during your work day – Let it go!
3. Consider three things that went well.
4. Check on your colleagues before you leave – are they ok?
5. Are you ok? We are here to support you.
6. Now switch your attention to home – Rest and recharge.

Frontline nurse leaders struggle setting work-life boundaries, especially those new to their role. The problem has become even more challenging over the past three years. Many leaders have seen their spans of control grow as their staff is less experienced and requires more coaching. New managers often want staff to visibly see they are supporting them and tend to work long hours, including getting involved in direct care activities. Emails and texts from staff 24/7 are common.

Unlike in a staff nurse role where you work a set shift, nurse managers must set boundaries around their work and decide when to leave at the end of the day. Failure to do this can quickly lead to burnout. This going-home checklist can serve as a reminder to shut down. Setting boundaries in our work can help us control our lives. Deciding where we invest our time, and work hours, and what we should delegate helps us preserve our physical and emotional energy and identify our limits.

© emergingrnleader.com 2023

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