Nursing is beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s also exhausting. Between long shifts, endless charting, and the emotional rollercoaster of patient care, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. Aromatherapy isn’t magic, but it is a simple, gentle way to give yourself a little reset when you need it most. Think of it as a pocket-sized self-care tool you can carry with you.
Quick Calm on a Crazy Shift
- Go-to oils: Lavender, chamomile, bergamot
- How to use: Keep a cotton ball or inhaler stick in your pocket. Take a slow breath when you finally snag a minute.
- These scents are like a deep exhale—perfect for when your nerves are fried after a tough patient or a hectic code.
Energy Boost Without Another Coffee
- Go-to oils: Peppermint, lemon, orange
- How to use: A drop on a tissue or diluted roller blend you swipe on your wrist before heading back out.
- Peppermint wakes you up, citrus brightens your mood. It’s like a mini sunshine shot when you’re dragging.
Transitioning Home Mode
- Go-to oils: Cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood
- How to use: Diffuse when you walk in the door or add a few drops to a warm bath (always diluted).
- These grounding scents help you leave the hospital energy at the door and actually land at home.
Sleep Support (Especially for Night Shifters)
- Go-to oils: Lavender, clary sage, vetiver
- How to use: Make a quick pillow spray or diffuse while you’re winding down. Helps signal your body it’s time to rest—even if the sun’s blazing outside.
Quick Safety Notes
- Always dilute oils before putting them on your skin.
- Keep scents subtle at work—patients may be sensitive.
- Aromatherapy is a helper, not a cure-all.
You give so much of yourself every shift. Aromatherapy is just one way to give a little back to yourself—tiny moments of calm, clarity, or energy when you need it most. Even one deep breath with the right scent can change the tone of your day.
These are the items I personally use and love for staying balanced at work. (Affiliate links help support The Healing Shift blog)
- Grounding Blend- to unwind post-shift
- Lavender Roll-On- for calming and focus during charting
- Peppermint Oil- for headaches and energy dips