The Nurse Converse Podcast can be found on any platform, like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Remember to rate Nurse Converse Podcast and leave a review that includes my name, “SHENELL THOMPKINS,” so you can hear more from me on Nurse.org’s Platform.
One last thing: The All One Nurse Podcast is coming in August 2024!
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” -Mother Teresa
The Importance of Preparing for the NCLEX
In this inspiring episode of the All One Nurse podcast, titled “The NextGen Tutor: Empowering Nursing Students,” Nurse Shenell Thompkins, RN, MSN, had the opportunity to engage in conversation with Suzanna Valdez, RN, the founder of The NextGen Tutor. Their discussion centered on the NextGen NCLEX examination, the importance of mentorship, and methods through which nursing students can cultivate confidence during their journey. The NCLEX serves as the final hurdle in the process of becoming a licensed nurse, and appropriate preparation is critical for success.
Suzanna underscores that passing the NCLEX examination involves more than mere memorization; it necessitates critical thinking, strategic approaches, and self-assurance. She advises students to:
1. Prioritize quality over quantity when practicing questions.
2. Comprehend the rationale behind each answer rather than relying solely on memorization.
3. Foster a resilient mindset and confidence to mitigate test-related anxiety.
Additionally, Suzanna emphasizes the stringent test-taking protocols associated with the NCLEX, advising students to incorporate scheduled breaks and manage their time effectively.
Tutoring is A Powerful Tool for Success
For those encountering difficulties with NCLEX preparation, tutoring can prove transformative. Suzanna articulates how personalized coaching enables students to dissect NCLEX-style questions efficiently, identify key concepts and age-related factors within scenarios, and enhance test-taking strategies to bolster confidence. She recognizes that the objective is for students to pass the NCLEX examination, irrespective of whether they engage a tutor, and acknowledges that many students seek guidance after experiencing a failure on the exam.
Her approach is characterized by a commitment to developing relationships with students, ensuring that they feel supported and empowered throughout their preparation process. Suzanna also notes that outcomes are not 100% guaranteed. While she does not promise that every student will succeed, she emphasizes that her dedication, combined with the student’s effort, often yields successful outcomes.
Key Takeaways of Suzanna’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,
Perseverance is everything – Nursing students should never give up on themselves.
Quality practice questions and reading rationales are more important than quantity.
Having a mentor can accelerate growth and confidence.
Breaking down NCLEX-style questions and understanding keywords is essential.
Quality practice questions and reading rationales are more important than quantity.
Mindset matters, and it plays a significant role in exam performance.
Strict test-taking protocols and the importance of taking breaks during the NCLEX exam.
Instilling confidence in students is a key goal of tutoring and coaching.
Final Thoughts For Aspiring Nurses
Trust in your preparation and purpose. Passing the NCLEX examination transcends mere achievement; it represents a step toward realizing one’s vocational calling with faith, confidence, and knowledge. It is imperative to remember that individuals possess the capability to succeed because they are supported on their journey. Emphasize thorough preparation, seek mentorship, and recognize that every challenge contributes to personal growth for the future.
Have you attempted the NCLEX and faced challenges? It is essential to recognize that many esteemed nurses have faced similar experiences. They often affirm that whether one passes or fails the NCLEX does not define the type of nurse one will ultimately become. Let every nurse practice with excellence.
Suzanna Valdez is a dedicated NCLEX tutor and the founder of The Next Gen Tutor, where she helps nursing students master exam strategies and develop confidence. With extensive experience in diverse healthcare settings, she has transitioned into nursing education, providing tailored coaching to facilitate student success.
If you found value in this post, consider subscribing to All One Nurse for additional blog content and updates regarding new podcast episodes, resources, and more. Let us continue to illuminate the path for aspiring nurses throughout their journeys. Please share your thoughts in the comments if this article or episode inspired you!
“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul.”- Nurse Shenell
“Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger.”- Dr. Mehmet Oz
It was a privilege to sit down with Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, an expert in Functional Medicine and founder of Functionally Balanced Health, on the All One Nurse podcast episode, “Understanding Functional Medicine and Supporting Black Women with Autoimmune Conditions“. Unraveling the complexities of Autoimmune Conditions and how a holistic approach can transform patient care.
Autoimmune disease can feel like a mystery- one day your body is thriving, and the next it’s fighting against itself. Traditional medicine often focuses on symptom management. However, functional medicine digs deeper, aiming to uncover the root cause. Dr. Harris emphasizes that understanding lifestyle factors, nutrition, and underlying imbalances can empower patients to take control of their health. Learn more about autoimmune conditions here A-Z Autoimmune Disease List.
The Disproportionate Impact on Black Women
According to the Society for Womens Health Research (SWHR), approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women, though the gender distribution varies depending on the specific condition. One of the most eye-opening discussions in this All One Nurse episode was about health disparities. Black women face higher rates of autoimmune conditions and often struggle to receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. This leads to more aggressive symptoms and poorer outcomes than with their white counterparts. For instance, African American women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women and frequently experience more severe symptoms and complications (SWHR.org, 2024). Dr. Harris breaks down the why behind these disparities and how advocacy in healthcare can bridge this gap.
Key Takeaways of Dr. Harris’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,
Dispelling myths–what functional medicine is and isn’t.
Addressing everyday stressors experienced as normalcy in black women.
Gut health and the immune system, and why it matters.
How nurses can support patients seeking alternative treatment options.
The power of knowledge: why understanding your body is the first step toward healing.
Functional medicine is a science-based approach that can complement traditional medical practices.
Final Thoughts
This conversation is a must-listen for nurses, students, and anyone passionate about comprehensive patient care. If you’ve ever wondered how functional medicine can shift the healthcare landscape, this episode is for you.
What’s your take on functional medicine in nursing?
What has your experience been like with patients with autoimmune conditions?
Which of these barriers resonates with your experiences? Mistrust in healthcare among Black women, limited access to quality care, gaps in education, or cultural incompetence in medical practice?
Please leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Meet Dr. Phylicia Harris
Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, is a doctorally-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with nearly 15 years of healthcare experience. She specializes in helping women struggling with debilitating autoimmune symptoms, guiding them toward relief through root-cause medicine. Her practice, Functionally Balanced Health, focuses on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions to restore well-being.
Dr. Harris’s mission is simple yet powerful: Autoimmune conditions don’t have to define your life. Through functional medicine, she empowers women to reclaim their health and vitality.
Connect with Dr. Harris
🌐 Website:Functionally Balanced Health 📍 Location: Virtually serving clients in the TN and FL area 📧 Email: info@functionallybalancedhealth.com 📱 Instagram: @functionallybalancedhealth 📘 Facebook: Functionally Balanced Health
Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe to the All One Nurse to receive more blog content and updates regarding new podcast episodes, resources, and more!
At All One Nurse, our mission extends beyond insightful conversations—we’re here to mentor, uplift, and empower nursing students and new nurses through faith-driven support practical guidance. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of clinical rotations, the nursing program, preparing for the NextGen NCLEX, or seeking career clarity, our mentorship programs and All One Nurse podcast offer a space to learn, grow, and connect.
“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul. Getting back to the human side of healthcare.”
There are countless stories of inspiration, and this one has to be in the top 10 for sure! Tiffany Cannon is a Registered Nurse who also wears a Left Ventricular Assistive Device (LVAD). The LVAD is surgically implanted on the left side of her heart through her abdominal wall. It operates on a continuous power source: battery packs. How electrifying is that?!
Tiffany and her spouse, Xavier, with baby girl Cannon
Tiffany engages in a heartfelt conversation with All One Nurse podcast host, Shenell Thompkins. She shares her journey through heart failure during pregnancy and her experiences in nursing. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of heart health awareness, particularly among Black women. Exemplifying the impact of personal experiences on nursing practice and also, understanding that maternal mortality is 3 to 4 times higher in women of color than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tiffany’s Journey Through Heart Failure
Tiffany’s story is one of resilience and faith. She faced the daunting challenge of heart failure during pregnancy, a condition that is often difficult to diagnose. During labor, Tiffany was found to have an Ejection Fraction of only 5%, whereas a normal EF is >60%. Her journey with peripartum cardiomyopathy is one of both spiritual and practical challenges.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy, also known as postpartum peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), is an uncommon condition of heart failure with no other causes. It can happen during the last month of pregnancy, following delivery, or up to five months postpartum. For more in-depth information, including signs and symptoms, go to Peripartum Cardiomyopathy | American Heart Association.
Tiffany’s experience with the LVAD highlights the importance of comprehensive heart health testing, including echocardiograms and stress tests. Tiffany emphasizes the need for awareness around heart health, especially for women, and encourages others to advocate for their health.
Tiffany and baby girl Cannon
The Power of Compassionate Care
Speaking of advocacy, Tiffany and Shenell discuss the significance of compassion, patient advocacy, and effective communication in healthcare. Tiffany’s experiences in nursing school, her transition to nephrology nursing, personal experience, and her patient interactions have shaped her approach to nursing. She believes compassionate care can significantly impact patient recovery and that understanding patient experiences enhances nursing care. Where Tiffany could have taken the road of disability, she returned to the nursing field to empower other nurses and patients.
Key Takeaways of Tiffany’s Interview on the All One Nurse podcast include,
Black women face higher risks of cardiovascular complications.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among women.
Living with an LVAD requires adjustments, but it does not mean the end of life as one knows it.
Nursing school can be challenging and requires dedication.
Personal experiences can shape nursing practices.
Patient advocacy is crucial in healthcare.
Compassionate care can significantly impact patient recovery.
Effective communication is essential for patient trust.
Comprehensive testing, including echocardiograms and stress tests, is crucial for heart health.
Ejection fraction is a key indicator of heart health, with normal levels above 60%.
In Conclusion
Tiffany Cannon’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and compassionate care. Her story serves as an inspiration to nurses, healthcare professionals, and patients, reminding us of the importance of heart health awareness, patient advocacy, and so much more. As we continue to navigate the complexities of healthcare, let us remember the impact of personal stories in inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Tiffany’s desire to share her story to inspire and help both nurses and patients thrive and not just exist for the status quo is a grand gesture.
Tiffany shares her more in-depth experience in her book A Journey through the Supernatural Healing, available on Amazon. To date, Tiffany has collaborated with Nurse.org on the Nurse Converse podcast (Listen here on Apple podcast) and the Rapid Response RN podcast (Listen here on Apple podcast) to provide inspiration and education to their huge audience of healthcare professionals. Each interview brings a new perspective and awareness.
Who are the patients that we care for every day? They are not just strangers in need of our help, but they are us, our family, loved ones, and friends. The real question is, how do we treat ourselves? Hopefully, we don’t self-harm, neglect, or abandon our own needs. We shouldn’t do this to patients. You might say, “It’s just not enough of us,” but it doesn’t take a fully staffed unit to do the right thing. How do we get back to the basics of the Nursing profession? The most trusted profession.
Nursing
Nurses often face several challenges, such as:
Burnout and compassion fatigue.
Time constraints due to heavy workloads limit nurses’ time with each patient.
Rapid advancements in medical knowledge regarding medications, research, technologies, and best practices.
Resource limitations to educational resources, training, and support.
Lack of work-life balance with demanding work schedules.
Ethical dilemmas that require advocating for patients while navigating complex healthcare systems and policies.
However, when we lead with the Triple Cs: Compassion, Competence, and Commitment to the code of ethics, our patients will undoubtedly reap the benefits. Patients are already experiencing a challenging situation regarding their health. Can we get back to the basics to collaborate, maintain standards, use evidence-based research, respect patients, advocate for patients and fair services, and protect their personal information? These are the Code of Ethics for Nursing taught in our nursing programs. It’s time to get back to the basics of nursing.
Ethics
Nurses work in various areas, from specific units such as med-surg (yes, this is a specialty), critical care, labor and delivery, surgery, and emergency care to specific outpatient settings. Regardless of the setting, the core principles of nursing remain the same. We must uphold professional competence through lifelong learning, foster collegial relationships through collaborative practice, and ensure environmental stewardship by promoting sustainable practices. By adhering to the ethical standards outlined in the Nursing Code of Ethics, we enhance our professional integrity and ensure that we provide our patients with the highest quality of care. We can promote better stewardship and sustainable practices through:
Being honest with one’s own beliefs and morality (self-awareness).
Maintaining well-being and self-care and being better equipped to care for others.
Showing compassion by being empathetic towards patients and providing genuine comfort, such as using a kind word and active listening without interrupting.
Educating self and patients to empower them to take an active role in their care.
Creating an environment for healing through mindfulness of what the patient is experiencing, a quiet and clean space rather than the opposite.
Collaborating with other healthcare teams positively to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of patients’ well-being.
Bottom Line
Nursing is more than just a profession; it’s a calling. It’s a noble calling that requires a commitment to compassion, competence, and ethical practice. By embracing the Triple C’s of Nursing and adhering to the Nursing Code of Ethics, we can bridge the gap between the stethoscope and the soul, ensuring that our patients receive the best medical care and the emotional and spiritual support they need. Can we begin seeing the patients and ourselves holistically? Let’s strive to be nurses who make a difference, one patient at a time, by getting back to the basics, leading with our hearts and minds, and having grace for the hardships encountered while advocating for a better healthcare system through our contribution.
Thank you for reading!
Loving All One Nurse? Join the All One Nurse community today on social media and subscribe for exclusive content and updates! Don’t forget to check out the All One Nurse podcast.
In healthcare settings, we only think of licensed professionals who provide care or treatment to patients. However, we must remember the importance of ancillary staff. The ancillary staff’s work supports the hospital’s main function and consists of nonlicensed personnel such as housekeepers, dietary aides, and patient care assistants. These individuals are vital in enhancing patient experience and positive patient outcomes.
Environmental Services
Housekeepers play a crucial role in cleaning and disinfecting everyday spaces utilized by staff and patients. I encourage other healthcare professionals to express gratitude toward them. Be team players in keeping personal workspaces and patient rooms free of clutter and trash. Cleanliness is essential to good health, and everyone can do their part to make each other’s job easier.
Food & Nutrition
Dietary aides are crucial in helping patients recover by delivering the nutrition they need. If you have ever listened to a Dietitian explain the importance of nutrition, you would know that protein is essential to maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system. Without protein, patients would be unable to perform daily activities safely, which is one of the main reasons elderly patients end up in assisted living. Communicate well with dietary aides to get the patients what they need and a few requests.
Nursing Assistants
Patient care assistants play a crucial role in healthcare by helping prevent complications during hospital stays. They ensure patients receive regular oral care, are repositioned or mobilized as needed, and maintain hygiene. Patient care assistants help keep patients safe and healthy. They may not always be licensed as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but they are very effective with on-the-job training. Providing basic hygiene care prevents hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia, pressure injuries, central line infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
“These roles are an extension of amazing nurses. They serve as the nurse’s eyes and hands, as the nurses serve as the eyes and hands of the physicians. By working together, we can create a safer atmosphere for the patients.”
As a bedside nurse, patients occasionally told me I wore many hats. I was willing to take on various tasks. From removing overflowing trash to handing out food trays to assisting with bed baths, it was for the benefit of the patient. Fulfilling any need was my responsibility. I never said, “This is not my job.” Every patient on my unit was my responsibility, as they were someone’s loved one or, at the very least, a human deserving of care—a child of God.
In Conclusion
It is essential to view all staff in a positive light and encourage them to continue contributing to delivering high-quality patient care. This post is not limited to the roles mentioned in this article but to anyone who assists with the functions of the hospital to provide high-quality care to its community. Empowering those who work alongside the nurses will allow nurses to concentrate on the other complex needs for safe patient care and promote better patient outcomes.
If you enjoyed this post, please take a moment to leave a comment below and share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family. Your support will help All One Nurse reach more people and inspire positive change. Thank you!
As a common problem in the nursing field, burnout, staffing shortages, and high nurse-to-patient ratios have long plagued the industry, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s noteworthy that despite these challenges, only 26 articles on nurse burnout were published in 2019, according to PubMed. However, there has been a significant increase in articles on nurse burnout, with 122 published in 2022 alone. This issue requires continuous discussion and awareness to facilitate improvement in the nursing community.
A lot of research discusses how having a high number of patients per nurse can negatively affect patient outcomes and lead to burnout among nurses. Burnout can be a difficult cycle to break, especially as nurses deal with the constant demands of their jobs. This post aims to highlight what nurses can do on a personal level to improve their working conditions and stay committed to the nursing profession.
The nursing community can take practical steps and initiatives as we search for solutions to these challenges.
1. Self-awareness.
Self-awareness is crucial for nurses. It’s essential to know oneself and how one operates. One needs to assess if one’s personality fits one’s nursing specialty and if one likes to connect with patients on a deeper level. Nurses must know whether they bring negativity or positivity to their workspace and peers. They should know their threshold and be mindful of their stress responses and personality traits.
2. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is like a conscious willingness to connect with the environment and people around you to create a positive experience despite the circumstances. Practicing mindfulness can result in enhanced empathy, reduced anxiety and stress, and self-acceptance. It’s essential to pause and be present without judgment. This takes self-regulation and can be beneficial when struggling with heavy workloads.
3. Buy-in
Creating buy-in means becoming an advocate for change. This path may lead to developing initiatives that benefit everyone involved. Although not all ideas are accepted, creating a workplace culture of mindfulness and self-awareness can encourage others to practice effectively. A domino effect of kindness and appreciation for the job, colleagues (including physicians), and patients can spread like wildfire.
In conclusion
Change starts with the individual. It takes a change in thinking and the willingness to step up for a positive change in the workplace. Self-awareness allows one to evaluate oneself and what qualities one brings to the table. Mindfulness requires action to stop, being present without judgment, and being kind. This path may lead to being better equipped for today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare challenges. Getting involved with state and national nursing organizations is an excellent way to start making a positive change. Join the American Nurses Association | ANA (nursingworld.org). Joining ANA will include your state organization, too.
Chmielewski J, Łoś K, Łuczyński W. Mindfulness in healthcare professionals and medical education. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021 Jan 7;34(1):1-14. doi: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01542. Epub 2020 Nov 12. PMID: 33223537.
Sandford K, Prewitt E. A Nurse Is Not Just a Nurse: The Challenges of Nursing During a Pandemic and Beyond. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv 2021 Mar 17;2(4). DOI: 10.1056/CAT.21.0053 Retrieved from https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.21.0053
Nurses are vital to the healthcare field and the communities in which we serve. If a patient only needs to be assessed, diagnosed, and prescribed medicine, then they go to the doctor, but if they need to be cared for then they need a nurse! So, my dear nurse, you do matter!
The Registered Nurse (RN) workforce is projected to increase with 195,400 nurses, growing from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2030. However, there is also a projected 203,000 RN openings expected each year, up to the year 2030. These openings are projected based on retiring nurses and nurses who will potentially exit the workforce (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022).
There are many other reasons for the increased demand for nurses as well.
An aging population which means a greater need for medical care.
Many nurses are retiring.
Restricted nursing school enrollment due to shortage of nursing school faculty.
Insufficient staffing in the healthcare setting.
The Nursing Role.
Nurses are responsible for a patient’s wellbeing. In addition to performing assessments and following physician orders, nurses must recognize any early signs of deterioration in the patient’s condition. Nurses must be aware of the patient’s emotional state, and be the liaison between the patient, their families, and the treatment team.
Let’s look at how much nurses matter in different settings, as followed:
Nursing in the Hospital.
Most nurses transition from nursing school to the hospital setting. Nurses receive training to assess, monitor, and care for patients. While a physician diagnoses a disease, or ailment, and prescribes a course of treatment, it is the nurse who is involved in the implementation of that treatment therapy. Nurses work closely with patients to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved and advocate for patients when this is not the case.
As a liaison between the patient and their family and the physician, nurses can oftentimes explain in simple terms what the doctor has diagnosed. With years of experience, nurses can also provide their knowledge in a way that comforts the patient and their families as well.
Nursing in the Community.
In underserved areas alone, most patients may receive their care from a primary nurse. Nurses serve the community through immunization clinics, mobile clinics, and health screenings. Nurses are an important part of the community. Many children would not be able to attend school without a school nurse. Community nursing is an invaluable role as health care costs continue to increase.
In emergency situations, nurses provide care in the prehospital setting. A flight nurse provides critical care while transporting patients in an aircraft. Nurses may also provide care to patients via ambulance transport, collaborating with emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Home Health Nursing.
Home health nurses provide care in the patient’s home. The elderly can maintain their independence vs being forced to live in a nursing home. Nurses also play an important role in caring for children who cannot attend school and may require treatment at home.
Advanced Nursing.
The entire community benefits when nurses decide to advance in their nursing role. One issue with rising cost of healthcare is the lack of access to physicians, so my dear Nurse practitioner, CRNA, midwife, and other advanced care providers you matter too! This may also allow a hospital to reduce its costs by providing services that in the past were only offered by a physician. However, the advanced nurse practitioner typically works under the supervision of a physician and supervision levels vary by state.
The Conclusion of the Matter.
My dear nurse, you do matter! Whether you are already a nurse, interested in the nursing field, or debating on whether to take the next leap in your nursing career, you are invaluable to the communities in which you serve. Check out All One Nurse’s previous blog- There Are So Many Choices in Nursing! – All One Nurse for more details on the different types of nursing to keep you encouraged and hopefully dedicated to the nursing field.
Shenell Thompkins, RN, MSN
All One Nurse, Founder
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2022, October). Nursing Shortage Factsheet.
Are you considering nursing as a career? Are you a current nurse looking to transition nursing roles? If so, this quick read is to help bring each aspect of nursing roles to one spot. Nursing is a diverse and rewarding occupation with many different specialties available. Whether you are interested in working directly with patients, managing a team, or conducting research, I’m sure there is a nursing job that is a good fit for your skills and interests. We can dive into each role in future blogs with more details.
Keywords: nursing careers, registered nurse jobs, occupations in healthcare.
Here are some of the most common types of nursing jobs below:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic care to patients under the supervision of an RN. They may also assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They assess patients’ health, administer medications, and provide emotional support. Most nurses start here for general patient care experience and to meet requirements for advanced nursing roles.
Nurse Educators teach nursing students in a variety of settings, including colleges, universities, and hospitals. They may also develop and deliver continuing education programs for nurses.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice RNs who specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as oncology or gerontology. They may conduct research, educate other nurses, and provide care to patients.
Nurse Researchers conduct research to improve the quality of nursing care. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice RNs who diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications. They often work in a clinic setting, but they may also work in specialty areas such as acute care, geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery. They work closely with surgeons and other members of the surgical team to ensure that patients have a safe and comfortable experience.
Certified Nurse midwives (CNMs) provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They may provide family planning and well-woman care as well.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many different types of nursing specialties available. If you think you really want to be a nurse, I’m sure there is a career in nursing that is a good fit for you!
Do you find yourself more stressed nowadays? You’re running on empty and not happy performing the simple tasks in life. For example, waking up!
Here are a few things you can do to decrease stress and promote self-care so you can bring back joy into your life.
Keywords:
stress, stress management, time, self-care, nurses, nursing, planners
Ways to Decrease Stress and Promote Self Care.
More and more health issues are experienced as a result of increased stress. There is good stress called eustress which is positive, motivating, and manageable to improve functioning and wellbeing. However, most of the time we’re dealing with the bad stress, called distress. Distress leads to dysfunction like physical illness, mental fatigue, and emotional depletion in our lives (habitsforwellbeing.com). As nurses, we all know that exercising and eating healthier is a great start to decreasing stress, but stress is unavoidable. What are some other ways to manage stress and promote self-care in our lives?
Here are steps to manage stress right now:
Change your perspective.
Here me out. A wise woman once told me that we can’t control anyone but ourselves. So, we have to find ways to protect our mental, physical, and spiritual selves. You can start by reframing the way you think. You shouldn’t feel like you “have to do” most of the things that you perform on a daily, or weekly basis but that you “want to do” these things. Creating a mindset of gratitude will help change your perspective as well.
For example, even when short staffed at work, you have to choose to be thankful and hopeful that you’re able to safely take care of patients vs. being a patient who needs to be cared for.
Plan your day.
Write down your routine and refer back to it throughout the day at work, and yes at home too. If you don’t have a routine, then it may help to create one. This allows you to be intentional about your time and productivity. Write down the tasks that you need to perform for the day. Create lists that work for you. It may be in digital form or old school pencil and paper. This will help you see what is really important to get done and the ability to prioritize, while hopefully decreasing stress as well.
For example, write down your “to do” list the night before and number them in order of importance.
Schedule time for yourself.
Every week, take time for you. Whether it is a whole day or a few hours, take time for yourself. Watch a movie, take a walk, get your nails done or go get a massage. Do whatever you like to do that brings joy and peace to you. You will feel rejuvenated and more focused.
Another example would be sitting in the car for 10-15 minutes without any interruptions before proceeding into the house afterwork.
Delegate tasks.
This is not only for your active nursing role but home life too! Do you have too much to get done? It is okay to get help. Ask for help from friends, family, or co-workers, as applicable. Or hire someone, as applicable, to take some of the workload off of you.
For example, get a housekeeper to help with light house duties, or deep cleaning, every now and again.
Start saying “No”.
When you try to do everything, stress takes over. Your life will start to collapse or collapse in cycles. Maybe this can be avoided if you build a strong “No” game. It’s okay to not be available to everyone, every time, and in every way physically possible. Kids are resilient and spouses will figure it out (checkmate!). Seriously, re-evaluate your yes responses. Rather it’s saying yes to yourself, when no one has asked you to do anything in the first place. Allow others to do whatever it is that they are capable of doing, even when it doesn’t meet your expectations.
For example, tell yourself “No” by allowing your spouse to pick out the children’s clothes or to pick up dinner if he/she does not cook on certain days of the week.
Conclusion
These steps are a start to getting a handle on stress and promoting self-care. Pick two easy steps and start utilizing them today. It is time to get back to a better career and overall life. Please leave a comment on any self-care tips and ways to decrease stress you’d like to add to this topic and check out links* below for additional information and resources to decrease stress.
