Nurses should always look to diversify their skills set with every passing day. Being a nurse is so challenging that you can see a range of different cases every day. You need to have the skills and expertise to deal with all these cases to be a successful nurse in today’s competitive industry. Besides keeping up with the competition, the patient should have the assurance that they are in the right hands. They need to know that they are surrounded by people who can and will take care of them to the best of their ability.
There are five things you should try and incorporate into your practice. In this article, you can expect everything from seeking further education, improving your health and fitness, practicing empathy, and more. Let’s get to it now.
Improve your academic credentials
One of the best ways to improve your nursing practice is to study alongside your career. It’s hard, and many people can’t handle the stress, but if you want to excel in your field, this is what you have to do. If you have basic certification at the moment, consider looking at a Masters in Nursing Practice (MSN).
Studying in evening school after a long day’s shift can be exhausting. The good news is that you don’t have to. Rather than dragging yourself to a physical class several times a week, you can now take courses online. Enroll in accredited online MSN programs and improve your academic credentials.
Remote learning has its drawbacks, but it has its plus points too. Moreover, if it makes attaining a higher degree considerably easier, why not give it a shot.
Bedside manner and empathy
Coming across as a nurse or doctor who can’t wait to get rid of you and move on to the next patient is awful. For patients, their case is monumental, it’s probably one of the most significant focuses in their life, and they might be a tad bit uncomfortable. However, it isn’t terrific to have someone make them feel that there are many daily cases.
If you are looking to become a successful nurse, please practice appropriate bedside manners with the patients. Understand the pain that they are going through and make them feel that you are there for them. Regardless of whether they are among the many patients you see in the day, remain professional, practice empathy, and give them your full attention.
Get in shape
It’s essential to meet the physical requirements of the job. Imagine not being able to stand with surgeons during a complicated surgery. Taking a seat while everyone is doing their part to save a life can reflect poorly on your professionalism.
Besides that, feeling out of breath climbing stairs or rushing between patients is a sign you need to get in shape. Not many people talk about how physically demanding a nursing career is. Here is the eye-opener you might have required. If you feel tired, out of breath, or need to sit down. Often as a nurse, you probably need to hit the gym to stay physically active.
If you can go to a nearby gym, that would be great. Otherwise, consider home workouts that can build your endurance, stamina, and overall strength.
The ability to perform under pressure
You wouldn’t be a very successful nurse if you couldn’t handle a stressful situation. The ER is a tough place to be, no matter how experienced you are. Remember to stay calm, focused, and motivated during times of crisis. For example, the recent pandemic showed us how important it is to perform under pressure. The sheer number of cases that came into hospitals every day was staggering. That is your career, and you need to be ready to take on whatever comes your way. People’s lives depend on it.
Form relationships
If you are spending 8-12 hours on a shift, the least you could do is make the environment comfortable for yourself. How do you do that? Form bonds with your colleagues. It will help if you have people around you that make the job less challenging. You need people to talk to when you’ve had a bad day. Most importantly, you need people around you because human beings are social creatures!
The less social support you have at work, the more likely you will become fed up and burn out sooner. Take solace in your colleagues, make friends, and share the struggles.
Conclusion
Now that we have made our way to the end of this article, we hope you better understand what skills, traits, and habits to incorporate into your practice. It’s a tough job, but it can be even more challenging if you lack the skills needed. Just remember to follow these tips, stay focused and stay determined to help those in need. You’re doing your best. Results take time to show!
