How can I help my girlfriend manage her stress as a new nurse?

Mrokayrn · Nov 11, 2015

It can be rough. I think most people including myself get into nursing to help people, not realizing there is a ton of ....what's a nice word for bs? Some days I think to myself, if I had known all the stuff that came along with a job in healthcare, i might have thought twice. The mental exhaustion is the worst part. But I still do get patients who tell me what a difference I've made in their day. Reminds me why I decided to pursue the career. Seems like perhaps she's not able to attain that relationship with her patients right now given the rotating/condescending preceptor hovering over you reminding everyone how inadequate you actually are. But she will get there.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2015

I have been a Registered Nurse at the beside for thirty-four years and I also do home care. She is in a very stressful position right now for a variety of reasons. Not only is she new to the profession, she is rotating to different areas every few months. She probably is just beginning to feel a bit comfortable and then is rotated to a different area with different preceptors and routines. I understand the benefit and rational for this type of program,but nonetheless I believe the level of stress it can create in a new nurse is not worth it for some.

For me, the only and best way to relieve my stress was to know what I was doing. That required time,patience experience,a good plan and lot of self education. Part of that is also learning how to get along with all types of people. This requires understanding human psychology and studying that too. Right now, you need to listen to her and support her. She does not expect you to solve every problem but you can give suggestions on how to cope with problems she is encountering. She must know that precepting is a very difficult job and requires a lot of energy than just taking care of the patients yourself. I have done it my entire career, less one year, and have to take breaks from it because it takes a lot out of me. It is very important that she sit down with every new preceptor and talk about her learning needs and goals and learn to listen to what they are telling her. Yes, I admit some are not so great but she can always learn something!

She must also become very familiar with every policy and procedure in each area. She needs to print them out and read them,even if it is on her own time. She must also continue to study and look up anything she does not know or has questions about.

Tell her to take one week at a time! After 4 weeks of success have a little surprise planned for her. Don't tell her what it is, just tell her you are getting it ready. It will give her something to look forward to. Take her out to her favorite restaurant, go to a concert or play,buy her something she really wants,take her on a fun day of shopping with $300 to spend (with lunch),a long weekend away from it all at a nice place. She will begin to look forward to her every four week surprises and the time will go by and with that it will get easier and easier for her. What a great BF you are!

toomuchbaloney · Nov 20, 2015

sex