Many nurses want to advance in their careers. Few go into the nursing profession planning on being a floor nurse forever. Unfortunately, many fail to learn the very basic principle of how to be a team player.
NursesGeneral NursingArticle
I was fortunate to have been oriented to the world of nursing by wonderful team players. They considered the work to be everyone's work. They were highly organized nurses who put the patient's needs first. If there was work to be done, it didn't matter to whom it was assigned.
Not all nurses work according to this principle. There will always be those who, when their assigned work is completed, are not willing to help others. I have heard comments such as "she never helps me, why should I help her?"
Early on I tried to differentiate between coworkers that I loved to work with and those that frustrated me. I carefully looked at all of their traits to determine whose work ethic to emulate. The nurses that I most loved working with were ultimate team players. They not only asked if you needed help, they anticipated what you would need and just jumped in to help. No strings attached.
I believe that learning to be a team player has allowed me to advance in my organization. I never use the phrases "It's not fair" or "It's not my fault". We all know life isn't fair; there is really no need to point it out or whine about it. I also believe in taking personal responsibility for one's actions (which could be the topic of another article!). If I made a decision or did something, I took responsibility for it. It didn't matter if it was good or bad, I owned up to it. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not do this.
When a position would open within our facility, I would often hear people complaining about or at least discussing why certain individuals get promoted, while others languish. Each person is a novice when they start their career. I truly believe after the person has advanced through the novice stage they come to a fork. They can either choose the path of excellence or the path of mediocrity.
Those that choose the path of excellence excel in their field. They are excellent team players, take responsibility for their own actions, and advance their careers. They inspire others just by being around them. Their enthusiasm is infectious. They love what they do and strive to make a difference. They are often chosen for promotions.
Those that choose the path of mediocrity excel at nothing. They just trudge through each day and are there only to collect a payday. They don't take pride in their work. In fact, their work is just a job, it is not a career and it certainly doesn't define who they are. Instead of being inspiring, they are often dreadful to be around. They take no responsibility for their actions and usually will whine that things aren't fair and that it is someone else's fault. They are rarely promoted.
I know what fork in the road that I chose after my novice time was complete. Are you at that fork in the road? Have you long passed it, but realize that you chose the wrong direction? It's never too late to double back, take the right direction, and become a true team player.
