How to cope with pressure.

Nurses provide care to patients who truly need their expertise and caring.  Most nurses I believe give freely and from their hearts when it comes to helping those who are assigned to their care, drawing from different experiences and education.  Sometimes I have felt that the actual patient care is an easier part of the job than dealing with co-workers for instance.  I have worked for agencies in the past and have been given assignments that I know the charge nurse would not have given to their regular staff and it's frustrating to feel dumped on and unsupported.  This seems to be the real world of nursing and I have had to cancel shifts etc in order to protect myself from this kind of abuse.  Once you identify a problem at a facility like unfair assignments that put you at risk don't put yourself in that position.  Move on and learn to avoid those who do not value you.  Trust your instinct and always put yourself first.  There are lots of places to work and it may take some time to find the right fit.  If you are a full time employee make sure that you read through all the employment manuals and see what course of action you need to take if you are feeling troubled working in an environment or with certain people.
I spoke with a nurse recently who felt under pressure because a colleague called her on her off duty time about patient's she was assigned to care for in intensive care.  The nurse was described as extremely OCD and it put pressure on the other nurse.  Boundaries are always appropriate and bringing in supervisor's if there is a pattern of questioning or criticizing etc.  I am not sure of the specifics of this case but it caused distress over time and that should be nipped in the bud.
There are techniques that can be used to help focus attention and it is simply by putting the focus of one's attention between and behind the eye brows.  You can repeat any name of God that is powerful and close to you or any other symbol that has spiritual significance.  Although you will be looking out of your two eyes you will also be aware of your conscious attention at the area described.  Do one thing at a time.  Multi-tasking became quite a craze and seemed to imply some form of superiority, but in actual fact it isn't a useful thing.  Focus on one thing at a time and then when that task is done move on to the next.  Avoid the feeling of trying to beat the clock.  Make time your friend.  Self talk is important so instead of frenzied thinking, slowly tell yourself that you can get through the amount of work necessary and choose to stay calm and unhurried.  I have a tendency myself to move quickly and when I move more gracefully the tasks get done and my awareness is more attuned to what I am doing in the moment.  Stay in silence as much as possible and speak only when it is necessary.  Don't waste your time and energy in idle gossip.
Recently I had a procedure done at a hospital and while I was about to pass out and didn't have a call light by me, I could hear the nurses at the desk talking about Margaret Thatcher!  If you stay focused on your job these glitches wouldn't occur.  Read charts and become familiar with the lab values for your patients and any history that might have been missed in report and pass this information on to your colleagues.
When you spend time getting to understand the organization your work for through reading the policy and procedure manuals you will be able to provide the quality of care expected.  Read your institutions Vision and Mission statements and contemplate the culture of the organization.  Think positively and when problems arise be part of the solution as they say and not the problem.  Don't start to think negatively and blame others when things go wrong or the pressure increases at work.  Breath deeply and do positive self talk to walk yourself through situations.  Don't become heated and reactive.  Listen to others on the team and do your best to support nurses who need your help.
Support nurses on your team but remember that it's ok not to have someone asking questions all the time.  There has to be a point when a nurse assumes the role and can work independently while concurrently contributing to the team.  Novice to expert nurse according to Brenner takes one year.  Keep a journal and write down about any incident or area that is troubling you at work and do self-reflection.  Is it coming from outside or inside yourself?  How are you reacting?  Be true to yourself.  If something doesn't feel right you have to delve into why and try to resolve the issue.  Go to a supervisor for help if needed.
I hope these writings are useful and I wish you all the very best in your role as nurses.