When the Caregivers Need Care: A Peek Behind the White Coats

Today, while wrapping up my pediatric shift, I overheard something tender and real, something that is still echoing in my heart.

Two physicians leaning over their charts, casually discussing retirement. Not the kind of flashy, “dream island” retirement stuff you see in commercials but practical, thoughtful, intentional planning. They were talking about everything: life planning with their spouses, savings for their children's future weddings, college funds quietly set aside. One of them even said, “I don’t want them to know just yet. They need to get some skin in the game first.” His words weren’t cold, they were wise, thoughtful and humble. Rooted in wanting his children to grow with grit before being gifted ease.

And then, in passing, another physician chimed in, half-joking, half-exhausted. She shared how she had just finished lecturing her patient about the importance of rest, slowing down, and taking care of herself… only to realize she hadn’t been doing the same for herself at all. She was running on fumes.

They laughed it off but it stuck with me. That honest moment of contradiction.

That familiar feeling.

We all know the look. We’ve worn it ourselves.

It hit me: Even the ones writing the prescriptions are often running on empty.

And this isn’t just about physicians.

It is about all of us, the nurses, aides, therapists, techs, caregivers, mama's, aunties, big sisters, helpers. We encourage wellness, balance and self-care while running on coffee, adrenaline, and a quiet hope that “things will slow down eventually.”

But what if we didn’t wait for “eventually”?

What if we carved out intentional space for a generous pause mid-shift, mid-career, mid-sentence to check in with ourselves? What if we allowed ourselves the same softness, structure, and sustainable care we recommend to others?

At The Nursing Well, I believe we can, we must.

Let this be a gentle invitation not a lecture, not another thing to do, but a simple pause to ask yourself:

• How am I doing, really?

• What part of me needs care today?

• How can I pour into my own well so I can give from overflow, not depletion?

Because yes, the world needs our care. But it also needs our wholeness.

Our truth.

Our humanity.

So whether you’re planning for your future or just trying to make it through your shift, this is your reminder:

You matter.

Your wellness matters.

You are allowed to rest...Even behind the white coat.

Here is my check-in today:

• How am I doing? : Honestly, I am doing very well. I feel balanced. I feel loved and supported. I am sharing from overflow. But I will be real with you, that’s after taking a whole two weeks off…. So there’s that.

• What part of me needs care? : My body. Especially my neck and shoulders. I have been feeling some tension lately and I know I need to tend to that before it gets worse.

• What am I doing for myself today?: A solid Peloton ride, intentionally showing up on the bike. Deep stretching, cooking myself nourishing foods, and rest when I need it.

  I will schedule myself a massage for this weekend.

  I am not rushing.

  I am flowing.

• How am I pouring into my well? : By being honest with myself. By listening to what I need instead of overriding it. And by making even small acts of care feel sacred and lovely.

Let this be your invitation to pause, breathe in, deep exhale, and check in.

Drop a note in the comments below.

How are you really doing today? How are you tending to your well?

Let’s create a ripple of real reflections from nurses, caregivers, and kind souls.