For nurses, shift work and patient care can be physically and emotionally exhausting, often leaving little time to consume enough liquids. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help them combat fatigue and stay mentally focused at work.
Why hydration matters
Staying properly hydrated is essential to maintain optimal health and perform effectively. Since nurses are often on their feet and physically active throughout their shifts, not drinking enough liquids can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and reduced energy levels.
Experts say an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups of fluids a day for women.
Our brains are made up of up to 85% water, so it makes sense that being dehydrated would impact cognitive function. Nurses are required to make quick decisions, think critically, and maintain focus throughout their shifts, and studies have shown that even mild dehydration can affect cognitive performance, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory, headaches, and mood regulation.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that dehydration negatively affected short-term memory and attention. Another study in Clinical Nutrition highlighted that dehydration of as little as 2% of total body weight could impair physical and cognitive performance.
For nurses, who need to stay sharp and responsive, this level of cognitive impairment could contribute to errors in patient care.
Physical performance and stress management
Nurses often work long, physically exhausting shifts, sometimes lasting up to 12 hours or more. Proper hydration is important to maintain stamina and endurance. Water keeps your body temperature in check, lubricates joints, and delivers nutrients to fuel your muscles for optimal performance. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and increased risk of injury.
Also, dehydration can exacerbate stress, making it harder for nurses to maintain the mental and physical energy required to perform their duties.
Working in a high-stress profession requires nurses to juggle multiple responsibilities and face emotionally charged situations. When the body is dehydrated, the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol increases, leading to heightened feelings of anxiety and tension.
Proper hydration helps to regulate these hormones, allowing nurses to better manage the stress that comes with the job. This is particularly important in situations where nurses need to provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Barriers and solutions to hydration in nursing
Despite how important staying hydrated is, many nurses struggle to maintain adequate fluid intake during their shifts. Several factors contribute to this, including:
1. Lacking time because of busy schedules
Nurses often have little time for breaks. The pressure to attend to patients’ needs can sometimes take precedence over self-care, leading to inadequate fluid intake throughout the day.
Solution: Make regular hydration breaks a priority by drinking water every hour. Consider adding liquid IV powder to your water to boost hydration and replenish electrolytes.
2. Having limited access to water
In some healthcare settings, nurses may have limited access to water stations or may be restricted from bringing water bottles into certain areas because of hygiene concerns. This can make it difficult for them to drink water regularly.
Solution: Hospitals and healthcare facilities should ensure water stations are readily accessible in all work areas.
Some hospitals have established “hydration stations” in designated areas of each unit where no patient care activities occur. This can be a cubby or table where staff can keep their covered water bottles. Other hospitals have installed plexiglass boxes with a door in units, where nurses can safely store water bottles, keeping them safe from contamination.
3. Fearing repercussion for frequent bathroom breaks
Nurses may also limit their water intake to avoid the need for frequent bathroom breaks, especially during long shifts where time is a premium. Taking too few bathroom breaks can put nurses at risk of urinary tract infections, as well as other bladder, bowel, and kidney problems.
Solution: If you feel your hospital doesn’t allow nurses to take regular bathroom breaks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend discussing bathroom breaks with your unit supervisor or union representative.
In addition, nurses can contact their state health department or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for more information about bathroom break requirements and learn how to file a report if bathroom breaks are being denied.
4. Taking time to scheduling hydration breaks
Implementing scheduled hydration breaks can help nurses remember to drink water regularly. These breaks can be short but frequent enough to prevent dehydration.
Solution: Hospitals can implement a buddy system in which staff are paired during each shift and remind each other to take breaks, maintain nutrition, and hydration.
Fostering a workplace culture that values and promotes self-care can make a significant difference. Encouraging nurses to take care of their own health as they care for others can lead to better overall well-being and job satisfaction.
