This is a common theme within the nursing clients I see. As nurses we are natural givers… lots of different personalities (for those interested I’ll pop a personality test below)

I found this especially difficult to receive support when I wasn’t coping with night shift and was dealing with heightened anxiety. I didn’t make space to receive support initially because I tried to deal with it all myself. I didn’t want to tell anyone that I wasn’t ok because I felt like a failure and that everyone was coping except me.

If someone offers you support to know that you can say, ‘yes’ that you can receive and be guided by others. No sense of failure to be offered support and to receive this support! We are all in this together.

We all function differently and to receive is a gift.

I remember one stand out for me last semester I was offered a gift. I had a student make some treats and wanted to give a container full to say thank you for the semester. Initially I said no but I realised that in receiving these treats I was providing her with a space of joy and it was learning for me too. That it’s ok to receive!

• Often and it has come up in sessions with client that we as nurses are naturally givers/perhaps we express love and connection through acts of kindness (5 acts of love)
• Despite this it is important that you listen to what others are saying and embrace the compliment of your work

Practically we can hold our hand over our heart (just like in the picture below) and allow the gesture, gift, compliment to be received into our heart space.

Acknowledge what someone has said and instead of deflecting the message. Say thank you.