How do you handle stressful situations?

"I've learned not to take words or actions of stressed patients personally. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a deadline and being pulled in too many directions, I can ground myself knowing that I'm providing the best customer service and caring for my patients the best way that I can."

"When I am under pressure on the job, I try to focus on the job at hand. I like to make lists and prioritize activities that I need to accomplish."

"I think we all experience stress on different levels and from various triggers. For me, being self-aware has played a big role in my personal stress management. If I have things that I know need to be done on a specific day, I try to create a list and prioritize the order in which those things should be done. I also try to factor in time for things that may be unexpected, for instance emergency blood draw, and try to stay focused on each assignment. Learning to stay focused is a big stress reliever in and of itself."

"I tend to work well under pressure, during stressful times and consider this one of my strengths. I first always try to keep in mind that when times are stressful it is more common for individuals to lash out and I try not to take things personally. During stressful situations I focus very closely on the task at hand and completing it to my fullest potential. If absolutely necessary and it is safe to do so I may take 1 minute to deep breathe and center myself and then return to my work. At the end of a long day I always work to ensure I have a chance to either go running or do some form of a workout as a way to decompress and care for my physical and mental health.