ShiftMed’s Post

As the new nursing grads enter the employment arena, I'd like to share my observations and suggestions to hopefully encourage you for when it gets tough, because it is a tough arena to enter. Here's what I encountered: The young ate the old and drove us out. Demanding 12 hour shifts across the board, rather than 8 hour shifts is NOT good for physical or mental health, nor for patient safety. Large, corporate Healthcare companies do not care about their people; they use them up and discard them for younger, less-expensive ones. NO ONE "has your back," even those you work side-by-side with because they are as exhausted and as unsure as you. Self care for healthcare staff NEEDS to be emphasized in nursing education and ACTIVELY supported in the professional setting. Otherwise, the nurse shortage will continue since burnout becomes inevitable. We start out enthusiastically answering a call to care, but end up disillusioned, disregarded and discarded. Too often the caregivers never RECEIVE care to refill the fuel and reignite the flame of our passion. So, my advice is: Take care of you. Like in the airplane, put the O2 on yourself before trying to do so for someone else. Use your Employee Assistance Program. It is confidential and has MANY resources including financial, mental health, family, etc. Do not be afraid to speak out your needs and the needs of the staff around you. Build strong, POSITIVE working relationships with your coworkers and address the "pot-stirrers" who are divisive appropriately and with a compassionate, united front. Don't just tattle and run. Get the appropriate rest that your body AND mind need. TAKE YOUR BREAKS AWAY FROM YOUR ASSIGNMENT AREA. Insist on this together, with your coworkers, and present this need AND a possible plan for implementation to management to make this happen. It will help the staff members' well-being, increase job satisfaction and promote patient safety. Never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help...no matter how long youve been doing your job. I must add a caveat here: Self care is different from being self-centered. CARE is the operative word. The best care comes from a good community. Look out for one another at work. Walk together to change the culture without walking on each other. As the saying goes, if you are working at something you love, you will never "work" a day in your life. I'll add, if you are working in a setting of collaboration, support, teamwork, and mutual compassion, you will remain energized, as well.

Increased Focus on Staffing and Work Conditions: One of the most pressing issues for nurse managers is addressing staffing shortages. With many nurses citing understaffing as a significant challenge, ensuring adequate staffing levels is essential not just for patient care, but also for nurse satisfaction and retention. Nurse managers are expected to prioritize creating a supportive work environment that addresses burnout and promotes work-life balance https://lnkd.in/dRCSkRuj

"Is this your first day?" I remember being asked this question countless times throughout my nursing career, especially during those early days when every corridor seemed unfamiliar and every procedure felt overwhelming. Back in 2012, fresh out of nursing school, I embarked on my journey as a newly qualified nurse, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge the nursing world had to offer. As I walked through the hallways of my ward in the UK, weeks ago, surrounded by the buzz of handovers and the seasoned faces of my colleagues, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Little did I know, those first days, trainings and self development back home would shape me into the hands-on nurse I am today. As I find myself in a new challenge and starting afresh in a different healthcare system after 12 years. The question echoed once again, "Is this your first day?" Came smiling faces as I walked past bays and hallways. Despite my years of experience, the feeling of uncertainty still lingered. I won't lie, I was scared. I have read so many "first days" I experienced it again😄 First days are universally intimidating, regardless of how seasoned you are. Stepping into a new department, I knew I had to arm myself with knowledge and preparation. I delved into research, seeking advice on what to expect, how to navigate the unfamiliar terrain, and where to find support. One invaluable resource that guided me through those initial shifts was the Empowered Nurse podcast by Lacey Magen. Her insights and wisdom provided a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty, helping me navigate through the challenges of being a newcomer in a foreign healthcare setting. Reflecting on my journey, I've compiled 5 essential tips for anyone embarking on their supernumerary shift: 1.Research Your Environment: Familiarize yourself with the department, its protocols, and the team modus operandi before your first shift. Understanding the layout and workflow can alleviate some of the initial anxiety. 2. Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's clarifying a procedure or seeking advice from a senior colleague or join a community of alike Nurses. 3. Embrace Supernumerary Shifts: Use the time to observe, learn, and acclimatize to your new role. 4. Establish Relationships: Establishing rapport with your colleagues is crucial in fostering a supportive work environment. 5. Self-Care Matters: Amidst the whirlwind of a new job, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Take breaks, nourish your body and mind, and recognize that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. To all the Nurses embarking on their first day, remember that while it may seem daunting, every step you take brings you one step closer to becoming the confident, compassionate nurse you aspire to be. Embrace the journey, seek knowledge, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community. You've got this! I got this too💪 P:S- My friends and I, just after OSCE exams.

We are in a crisis in healthcare and the nursing profession. What's true source of burnout and why nurses are leaving the field? Here’s how health care leaders can improve nurse job satisfaction to fight a looming nursing shortage. #nurselife #burnout

Peer support in the nursing profession, especially within the travel nursing community, plays an integral role in ensuring the well-being and effectiveness of nurses as they adapt to new environments and challenges. Travel nurses often find themselves in new cities, hospitals, and teams, navigating diverse patient populations and healthcare practices. Amid these changes, peer support serves as a vital source of comfort, guidance, and professional development. Below is a comprehensive exploration of why peer support is particularly important in travel nursing. https://bit.ly/49zz29i

These can be applied to your field, these are basic knowledge that can help one navigate in their career space.

Ready to take charge of your nursing journey? 💥 Let's discuss what it takes to thrive in a field that never stops moving, whether you're just starting or have years of experience under your belt! Nursing isn't just a career—it's a calling that demands passion, resilience, and constant adaptability. Whether you are a new nurse or a seasoned pro, you have what it takes to keep up with the pace. No two days are the same. Patients change and leave, or they decline and take more care of themselves. I remember a time when a family member questioned the doctor's orders, and explaining and convincing them was a challenge. But I persisted; eventually, they understood and trusted the care plan. Families come; some interfere with care, and others help with care. It all depends on how you respond to this to make you a thriving nurse, not just a surviving nurse. Yes, the long shifts and unexpected changes can be daunting, but these moments transform you into a more resilient, agile nurse! 💪 Embrace the changes, push through, and you'll emerge stronger. Remember, you're not just surviving; you're thriving. Continue to care, take your passion, and make that shift fly by with happy patients and coworkers because you helped out when needed. That's the power of nursing! When things get tough, that's your time to shine! 🎇 Find the power in flexibility and teamwork—you've got this! Make sure your team is working together and solving problems these days. No one does it alone. Let's lift each other, lean on our fellow nurses, and make each shift count together. 👊 We can do this if we pull and work together! Let's crush the rest of this week with energy, confidence, and a focus on growth! 🚀 Keep pushing forward, nursing warriors—you're unstoppable! CTA: What's one challenge you've turned into an opportunity for growth this week? Share below! ⬇️ It could be a problematic patient interaction that taught you patience or a sudden change in your shift that forced you to adapt and be more flexible. Let's learn from each other's experiences!  #NurseLife #NursingStrong #HealthcareHeroes #nurseeducator #mentor #lifelonglearning #challenges #makestronger #newnurseproblems #solutions #worktogthernurses #oneononetips #confidence #passion #resilence #adaptability #flexibility

Feeling short on time? Read the latest tips on "Time Management Tips for Nurses" in this article by American Nurses Association Here are some time management skills you can implement into your everyday life: ⌛Manage your daily tasks by importance 📅Review and asses your calendar regularly 🧘Take breaks and relax when you can https://hubs.li/Q02f28_g0 #Staffy #Healthcare #Nurse #Tips #TimeManagement #Productivity #RN #RPN #LPN #PSW

THE TREND 📉📈 -- According to the US Sun (2024), the common use of the "of course" trend is to deliberately mimick the popular perceptions/stereotypes associated with a particular profession or individual. There are actually very popular misconceptions surrounding the nursing profession. But, I'm not going to dwell on that. I'm going to focus on what nurses are known for, and for which I believe the narrative should be. So, I'm leveraging the "of course" trend to say: I am a Nurse, Of Course, I am trained, qualified, and authorized by the appropriate regulatory authority to practice nursing. I am a Nurse, Of Course, I assess, plan, implement and evaluate high-quality person-centred nursing care using evidence-based knowledge, professional and clinical judgement. I am a Nurse , of course, I am kind, courteous, and concerned about my patients wellbeing. I am a Nurse, of course, I make sure my patients make informed decisions concerning their health and wellbeing. I am a Nurse, of course, my care cuts across the body, soul and spirit. I am a Nurse, of course, my role encompasses caring, teaching, counselling, health educating, advocating, coordinating, managing, leading, researching and collaborating. I am a Nurse, of course, I was trained, equipped, and empowered to make meaningful contribution to healthcare and lives in general. I am a Nurse, of course, I can work in a variety of healthcare settings and beyond, and I can also specialize in a number of different nursing specializations. I work as a public health nurse, a midwife, and I hope to become a nurse administrator and perioperative nurse. --------------------- What other narratives do you think our society should begin to have about nursing/nurses? What are the ways we can combat the common misconceptions? -- It's the end of January and whew!! What a month already. So far so good and God is faithful. Cheers to a new month in a few hours 🥂 #trends #nursingisnoble #notostereotypes #

Great article reiterating how important it is to focus on strategies to support our frontline nurse managers more than ever. What are your organizations doing to support and continue to grow this vital role?