Nurses are the heart of the healthcare system. They play a crucial role in providing care, comfort, and sympathy to patients and their families. When in the hospital, everyone needs emotional and physical support. The dedication of a nurse to their job can make difficult journeys a bit easier.
A nurse always meets their patients with a smile. However, surviving long days at work, watching people in pain, and supporting the healthcare system can get exhausting sometimes. Nurses care for everyone, and in their journey, they sometimes forget to look after themselves.
A heavy workload, stress, time limitation, and so many other factors can contribute to fatigue. Sometimes, the clear absence of gratitude can also contribute to letting you down. Do not rely on others to validate you; love your job, care for yourself, and stay mindful.
Here are a few essential tips that can help nurses enjoy their job and care for themselves.
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Ask Questions Freely
Whether it’s your first year as a nurse or if you have been in the field for some years, the most dangerous thing you can do is not to ask questions. Healthcare is evolving and changing every day. Therefore, whenever you ask a question, you may be surprised to find a knowledgeable answer.
Yes, you might think your question is stupid or useless, but remember that there are no stupid questions in the medical field. However, if you hold back your questions for any reason, you may risk your professional license and the patient’s health.
Whether you are inclined towards allied health travel jobs or working as a home nurse, never hesitate to ask someone you trust for advice. You may think that asking too many questions may make you look stupid. However, the effect is quite the opposite.
When you ask questions, it will make the hospital staff feel more comfortable with your abilities. That is because you will look more curious to learn instead of being a know-all nurse.
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Prioritize Self Care
Millions of nurses around the world share one passion – ensuring good health and saving a life. It is not an easy job to be the emotional and physical support of your patients and their loved ones. It requires dedication and energy.
Sometimes, work pressure and load can overwhelm you. That is because many healthcare providers forget about their health while struggling to heal other people. Especially if it’s your early months as a nurse, you may get sick more often than veteran nurses.
The most common reason for nurses feeling overwhelmed and exhausted can be lack of sleep, bad eating habits, and exposure to germs.
It all starts with fixing your sleep schedule. You can use black-out curtains and limit the screen time before bed. You can also put your phone in do not disturb mode to ensure your sleep remains uninterrupted.
To keep yourself from getting sick, sanitize frequently and use protective gear. If a patient is coughing and sneezing, make sure to reach out to them with caution. Afterward, make sure that you clean your ID badge, stethoscope, and other high-touch areas.
If your hospital offers showers, try taking a shower every day before heading home.
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Take Notes
Nurses get the opportunity to meet with many well-qualified professionals in the field. If you work in a hospital, there are many opportunities to learn and gain experience. Therefore, every nurse should carry a pocketbook to benefit from this information.
Especially if you are a new nurse. A notepad can also help you note down important information such as diagnosis, medication, and vital signs. If the patient has upcoming tests or procedures, make notes of that to be constantly reminded.
A notepad also gives you an opportunity to note down questions that come to your mind when your senior is not there. This way, you can revisit your notepad any time and get the needed answers to your questions.
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Consider Further Education
There is no age limit to learning. Whether you just started as a nurse or have years of experience at hand, continuing your education can allow you to move up the ranks quickly and easily. You will learn a lot of new things on your way.
Further education also allows you to switch units and explore expertise. There are many viable online options if you feel you do not have the time or energy to take on-campus classes. You can also apply for merit and need-based scholarships.
Your sources of knowledge are not limited to the hospital walls. These certifications can help you stay updated with your education and knowledge. In addition, your hospital will also gain more confidence in your services.
Continuing your formal education also gives you a chance to revisit and revise the information you have already learned.
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Stay Positive
Positivity is an essential key to living a healthier and more successful life. When it comes to nursing, maintaining a positive attitude and keeping a smile on your face are very important. A positive attitude helps you learn and absorb better. It also makes your patients feel more comfortable with you.
Anxiety and stress will still be a part of your daily life. You can find these factors with mindful meditation and regular exercise.
If you have a negative and cranky attitude, it can tarnish your reputation and make your patients uncomfortable. Take a deep breath and stretch your shoulders whenever you face a stressful situation. You can always turn to your superior for advice if you feel confused.
Similarly, never say no when someone offers you information or a new experience. Instead, it is a learning opportunity because education never stops for nurses. The more you learn, the more you will learn about your field.
Your positive learning attitude also gives a good impression that your mentors will see your eagerness to learn and acknowledge it as a good quality. Overtime, this will increase your chances of better referrals, more exposure, and added learning.