5 Nursing Tips for Success at Work

[Kyle the Murse]

Nursing can be hard. The schooling is rigorous, the days are long, and the responsibilities are seemingly endless. You might spend your first year "learning to swim". You're not alone! We all have to start somewhere.  We did not choose an easy field and there is so much to learn.  So, here are 5 tips I have found helpful to be successful as a Nurse: 

  

1. Preparation is Key:  Get your scrubs ready; washed, folded, and ready to go the night before. This is extra helpful if you work multiple days in a row. Hang your badge in a place that you will see on your way out. Pack your nursing bag with pens, your stethoscope, and snacks for the 12 hour stretch you're about to embark on.   

2. Rest: "Findings suggest that nurses sleeping less than average amounts before coming to work report less favorable ratings of quality of care and patient safety.”   (Stimpfel, 2020)  

Running around all day taking care of patients and answering call bells is exhausting work. You need your rest. Try to get a solid 8 hours of sleep when you can. Rest on your days off when you need to. A rested nurse is a happy nurse, and happy nurses do a great job.  

3. Resources: There are many resources that can make your job easier. Respiratory therapy, phlebotomy, and techs on the floor are a great way to achieve a high level of care while also getting multiple tasks done in a short amount of time. Another great resource is a drug compatibility site such as lexicomp to assist in facilitating quality and safe care of your patients.  

4. Flow: Understanding the flow of your unit as well as your care plan makes a huge difference in your day. If you understand how to keep the ball rolling for you and your patients (obtaining labs, giving medications, and feeding patients, etc.), not only will it increase the quality of care for the patient, it will give you a successful formula to stay on top of the many, many tasks of the day.  

5. Attitude: Something so simple as a smile or a calm response to a tough situation can vastly change the tone of your day. We work in an environment where most people are having a bad day, possibly even their worst day. If you find yourself in a negative mindset, a few deep breaths and that inner voice that says "I've got this.” can make a huge difference in your patient care and relationships at work.  

 

Stimpfel, A. W. (2020). Nurses' sleep, work hours, and patient care quality, and safety. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352721819302244