It’s no surprise that the nursing field is riddled with stumbling blocks that can turn a menial task into a never-ending battle. You will ruin your scrubs, deal with complexities, and perform tasks that are both uncomfortable for the patient and yourself.
In a nutshell, a nurse must do what a nurse must do. Regardless, there should be a way to overcome the obstacles that prevent you from performing your duties. We know that nursing can be rewarding other than being a demanding career path, and right now, it is high time to be a nurse. Even with that, the pressure and demands of the job can put a lot of strain on nurses.
On the other hand, do you (as a nurse) need to complicate your life with these things? Of course, not. Being a nurse doesn’t have to be difficult for you as there are many things you can do to make the job easier for yourself and the people around you.
So whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of nursing, the following ways will help you in making your job easier and foster success and more grit:
Table of Contents
1. Keep professional development a priority
Seeking development opportunities throughout one’s career is a best practice for any professional. As you progress in your career, you’ll likely discover areas of nursing that you’re incredibly keen on. Take advantage of your curiosity by pursuing additional education, such as a nursing administration master’s degree and secure higher positions. You could also attend workshops seminars and listen to podcasts and academic lectures related to your practice. Being intentional about developing your skills and knowledge will only enhance your capacity to cure patients effectively and make your job a lot less complicated.
2. Refrain from being a wallflower
The multitude of new faces around you – pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, doctors, and management – contributes to your discomfort when attempting to make your job easier. You may be wondering how you’re going to break the ice and fit in with so many new coworkers. It’s straightforward: introduce yourself.
Try not to persuade yourself that an introduction is unnecessary. Just because someone appears preoccupied does not mean they will not remember you. People are probably curious who you are as well! The earlier you introduce yourself, the easier it will be to become acquainted with your new unit. Most people will gladly take a few moments to listen to your introduction, and they may even offer to assist you as you move forward.
3. Work on your poker face
Nurses, without a doubt, have the finest poker faces in the biz. As a nurse trying to make it through, you will witness it all: organs prolapsing from incorrect anatomical locations, smutty tattoos on geriatric patients, ex-convicts accompanied by law, combative little women, and the list goes on.
Patients will say strange things to you, ask you questions that will test your nursing knowledge, and often code and end up dying in front of you. And you learn to keep a poker face throughout it all.
4. Have a crew
As you begin to make friends on the unit, you will inevitably meet people with whom you immediately “click.” Find at least one experienced nurse, one doctor, and another team member (perhaps a nurse manager) who is eager to help you. Consider them mentors and make use of them! You’ll not only develop a solid personal and professional bond with them but also become a much stronger nurse as you seek guidance through most of your career.
5. Ensure to take your time
Remember to take your time with tasks as you traverse through the various responsibilities of your role as a nurse to be comprehensive. Even in a fast-paced profession like nursing, it’s crucial to avoid rushing through your obligations to ensure the quality of your work. It is particularly important when working directly with patients and arranging their care—with empathetic, holistic care at the heart of the nursing profession. You’ll want to make sure you’re doing your best work. When you’re at your best, you will ultimately feel good about yourself, which will take off some of the pressure that resides with being a nurse.
6. Always eat proper meals
While feeding your body may seem like a no-brainer, it isn’t always an easy task for nurses. Those who tend to leave out the idea of “eating healthy” always end up causing more problems for themselves on the job. But let’s face it: Your job is hard, and you may miss a meal break. When this happens, try to avoid using caffeine and sugar to supplement your diet as a substitute for a complete meal. It can have an impact on your ability to be productive and efficient. Instead, prepare yourself by packing healthy snacks that you can eat on the go, such as fruit, trail mix, or granola bars. These snacks may seem minor, but the power they pack will fuel you up and make your job easier.
7. Hydration is key to survival
It’s important to remember to hydrate with water throughout your shifts, just like it’s essential to consume complete meals. Staying hydrated will enable you to concentrate on problem-solving and supplying excellent patient care. While you may be tempted to drink energy drinks, tea, soft drinks, or coffee, doing so can cause your body to become dehydrated faster. Drinking these drinks with restraint and sufficient water to balance them out is preferable.
8. Lastly, set your priorities
Learn to assess which needs are the most pressing and look for ways to delegate responsibilities that others can manage, such as transporting a discharged patient. To find new ways of doing things, ask the senior people on the floor how they work a problem or troubleshoot with management. As a nursing employee, you often have a much clearer picture of what is going on. You can (diplomatically) question current systems that may or may not be working.
Conclusion
These were some ways you could lessen the challenge of being a nurse. Keep these hacks in mind on your next shift to make everything go smoother for yourself and your patients. Also, don’t overwork yourself because overworked nurses are at risk for fatigue, further leading to burnout. Try to practice good time management so that you can secure some space for relaxation and rejuvenation (both are much needed). Overall, implementing any of the above tips in your nursing regime will contribute to a significant peaceful change.
