The Answer That You Seek

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

There is more than one way to ask a question seeking advice. In these times, it is a good reference to have other nurses who have been there, done that. Even more often, and quoting one of my favorite mentors on AN, defecation occurs. We clean it up and move on. But seeking the same advice in multiple questions, and we really need to ask ourselves, "are we ready to hear the hard answers?"

Even in the most toxic environments in nursing, it can be the devil you know is easier than the devil you don't. That doesn't make it any less difficult to be able to do the work you need to do. General advice for nurses can help even the hardest of shifts.

Here are my favorites:

Stay focused

That this one's cousin's sister in law is dating the ER doc, to Nurse PDQ thinks she is all that and a bag of zesty cheese-its although points of interest for some, are not for focus. That there are more nurses at the station playing candy crushing games whilst you are on a mad tear for 3 antibiotics and a bag of fluid that needs to be hung pronto....again, not for focus. One's focus is on what needs to happen for your patients as present. What you need to make happen.

Know your references

Self reliance is a good thing when not knowing how to do something. It is better to read it in black and white (or color) so that you know that the tasks you are responsible for you are doing as you are supposed to.

Remember your charge nurse

Your charge nurse is your best reference for anything else. The person in charge calls the shots. That person can help you if you are drowning. So know what your charge nurse can and can't do to help you BEFORE the defecation occurs.

Sometimes, it is one big yuck-fest

If you feel like you are miserable and need other support, then put out your feelers. In the meantime, research. Research what you love for a specialty. Network. Meet with nurse managers of other units, other systems. Try something new if it is your passion.

Always be well intended

If your mother would get the vapors over it, just say no. Because she didn't raise a fool. And I get it. It is a tough world out there for nurses. Jobs are scarce, money is tight, things are not always rosy all the time. But if you focus (there's that word again) on learning a basic set of skills, learn how it all relates to a whole patient, and then how it ties in to a functional goal--and this can take a few years--you are best able to make a move into something you enjoy. Really look at the themes of what seasoned nurses are saying--cut away any fluff if there is any, and hear them--although the culture may be different, may be challenging, they have been where you are--and sometimes more than once. No matter what the facade, it is sometimes the issue itself as opposed to you. There are no easy answers to many situations.

In the meantime, make a plan

Can you float? Can you do per diem? Can you take one shift of some home health? Can you do per diem in another hospital or facility? These are ways to wade in the water without diving in the deep end.

Take back the power

Organize yourself into a viable long term and short term plan. Put some old school back into the new school. So when the time comes, if it does, that you are ready to move on--go forward with confidence.