DiversityNursing Blog

Patient education is a crucial aspect of the Nursing practice, because it empowers patients to take an active role in their own healthcare. Nurses serve as educators, providing patients and their families with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Patient education provides a better understanding of their health conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies, leading to better health outcomes.

“The more clearly a disease is understood, the more likely it is that an individual will be comfortable with their care and adhere to necessary regimens,” according to research published in Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 

Here are some key points regarding the role of Nurses in patient education and health promotion:

Assess Learning Needs

Nurses assess the patient's learning needs by considering factors such as their health literacy, cultural background, language proficiency, and individual preferences. This assessment helps Nurses tailor educational interventions to meet the patient's specific needs.

Provide Clear and Accessible Information

Healthcare professionals simplify medical information and relay it in a clear and understandable manner. They use plain language and avoid medical jargon to ensure patients can comprehend and retain the information provided.

Educational resources can be customized and printed out for patients with the touch of a button. Make sure the patient’s individualized needs are addressed. Don't simply hand the patient a stack of papers to read, review them with patients to ensure they understand the instructions and answer questions that arise.

Utilize Various Teaching Methods

There are a variety of teaching methods Nurses can use, such as verbal explanations, visual aids, written materials, videos, interactive computer programs, and demonstrations. Nurses adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles for better patient understanding.

Providing education using different methods reinforces teaching. Patients have different learning styles so ask if your patient learns best by watching a DVD or by reading. A hands on approach where the patient gets to perform a procedure with your guidance is often the best method.

Teach Self-Management Skills

Self-management skills are taught to patients so they can effectively manage their health conditions. This includes instruction on how to administer medication, wound care, monitoring symptoms, lifestyle changes, and recognizing signs of complications.

Work With Family Members

Family members play important roles in the care of patients including contribution to decision-making, assisting the health-care team in providing care, improving patient safety, and assisting in home care. When Nurses include family members in patient teaching, it improves the chances that  instructions will be followed. 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Nurses play a major role in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases. They educate patients on topics such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, stress management, and immunizations, empowering them to make positive lifestyle choices.

Support Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision making (SDM) is when Nurses and patients actively work together to make informed decisions about healthcare options.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has an SDM model called SHARE. This model is designed to examine and analyze healthcare option advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks. The options are identified via meaningful patient-Nurse dialogue that allows the patient to openly express what’s most important to them. The model comprises this five-step process:

Seek your patient’s participation.
Help your patient explore and compare treatment options.
Assess your patient’s values and preferences.
Reach a decision with your patient.
Evaluate your patient’s decision.

Assess Learning Outcomes

It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the patient's education by assessing their understanding, skills, and confidence in managing their health thus far. This assessment helps identify areas that may need further explanation or modification.

Collaborate with Interdisciplinary Team

Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as Physicians, Pharmacists, Dietitians, and Physical Therapists, to provide comprehensive patient education. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive consistent and coordinated information.

By actively engaging in patient education and health promotion, Nurses empower patients to make informed decisions, actively participate in their care, and ultimately improve their overall health outcomes.

A positive workplace culture is essential for Nurses to provide excellent patient care. In addition, a positive workplace culture on Nursing units can positively impact job satisfaction, staff retention, and patient outcomes.

Unfortunately, in some Nursing units, bullying is tolerated, silently condoned, or completely ignored. This leads to a toxic culture and an unhealthy workplace. There is an age-old phenomenon among some Nurses called “Nurses eating their young.” This form of bullying has been viewed as a rite of passage for new Nurses, but in the end, it has resulted in devastating effects on unit morale. It can have a long-lasting impact on the self-confidence of new Nurses.

The good news is most Nursing units offer a culture of support and positivity. And thankfully, the culture of “eating your young” is slowly dissolving. Nurses see coworkers more often than family due to working long hours, overnights, or holidays, so having support and camaraderie with your colleagues is very important.

Here are some ways you can help support Nurses on your unit to increase morale and create a positive Nursing culture.

Make Friends with Your Co-Workers

Nursing can be stressful, and Nurses often experience intense situations at work. Bonding with coworkers and developing friendships can reduce stress and create a more positive work environment. After all, only Nurses can understand what other Nurses go through. Why not make friends with your Nursing colleagues so you have someone to share all the joys and struggles of the job?

Be a Role Model

The best way to encourage a positive work culture in your unit is to model positive, encouraging behavior. For example, always lend a hand to a fellow Nurse with a heavier patient load or praise a co-worker for a job well done – it’s a great way to spread positivity.

Small acts of kindness are also great ways to role model good behavior on your Nursing units. Acts of service can be as simple as answering a call bell for a fellow Nurse or offering to cover your coworker's patients so they can take their lunch break. When Nurses choose to be positive, show compassion, and respect for their fellow Nurses, we can experience a happier work environment and improve the culture of our units. 

Acknowledge Strengths

Recognizing positive behavior and a job well done is the best way to motivate your colleagues and spread positivity. Feeling valued at work encourages staff members to perform their best and go the extra mile. Empowering Nurses by appreciating everything they do goes a long way. Say thank you to your co-workers when they help you out or compliment them when a job is done well.

Have Fun!

Nurses often deal with life and death circumstances, so saying ‘have fun’ can seem a little insensitive. However, having fun at work is excellent for your mental health and can help reduce stress both on and off the job. Finding humor and laughing with co-workers can lighten the stress Nurses carry on their shoulders throughout the day. Other ideas to try on your unit could be to plan a day to match scrubs, a theme day to celebrate a holiday, or plan a potluck so everyone can enjoy a snack on their lunch break. 

Nurses are kind and compassionate with their patients. They should act the same way to their coworkers. You have the power to create an encouraging, positive culture. So go out there and spread positivity because happy Nurses provide the best care to their patients.

Versailles, Ky. – On June 8-9, 2023, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its annual Diversity Impact Conference. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare workforce, particularly for those working in underserved and rural communities. This year, for the first time, the conference will be available for attendees outside of FNU.

“We are extremely excited about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference,” said FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “The Conference gets better each and every year, and we are putting the finishing touches on the plan for this year’s sessions. We are most excited, however, about being able to include more attendees this year. As we grow this important event, we want to invite leaders and students from some of our area universities to join us. This event is all about collaboration, learning, and growing. I’m confident that it will benefit any university, department, or individual.”

The 2023 Diversity Impact Conference will be conducted via Zoom. The theme of this year’s conference is “Better Together: Advancing a Culture of Identity and Belonging in Healthcare.” The two-day event will feature keynote presentations on both days from nationally recognized leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional sessions will include panel discussions, breakout sessions, and time for reflection.

The opening keynote address will be given by Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Vice President of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, D.C. On the second day of the conference, the keynote speaker will be Rebekka Eshler, National President of the Transgender American Veterans Association in Washington, D.C.  All speaker bios and the full conference schedule can be found at https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/

The learning outcomes attendees can expect to take away from the Diversity Impact Conference include:

• Identify specific strategies to create a culture of belonging amongst peers and the larger community
• Discuss the causes behind healthcare disparities and their effect on creating a culture of belonging
• Reflect on ways to effectively engage in spaces to promote diversity in identity
• Practice ways to build collaborative communities

Students attending any institution can register for the conference for free. All others can register at the registration price of $99 until the day before the event. For more information about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference and to register, please visit https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/.

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About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education that integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We transform healthcare by preparing innovative, ethical, compassionate, and entrepreneurial leaders to work with all people with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse-Practitioner distance education programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. Degrees and options offered include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Post-Graduate Certificates. In 2021 and 2022, Frontier was named a “Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

May is mental health awareness month, a time to raise awareness and promote education about mental health, as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Did you know, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health condition in a given year?

• Get enough sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet: Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly: Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Take breaks: Take short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge.
• Practice mindfulness: Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Connect with colleagues: Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges of being a Nurse. You can talk to them about work-related stress and share coping strategies.
• Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, seek professional help from a mental health provider. This can be a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
• Use employee assistance programs: Many healthcare organizations offer employee assistance programs that provide confidential counseling and support services.
• Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries and say no to additional responsibilities if you're feeling overwhelmed.
• Pursue hobbies and interests: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing a hobby.
• Take care of your physical appearance: Dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, and take pride in your appearance.
• Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, whether it's a supportive colleague, a successful patient outcome, or simply the beauty of nature.

Resources

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer EAPs that provide free, confidential counseling services to employees.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers a national helpline, treatment referral service, and resources for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• Crisis Text Line: This free, 24/7 text messaging service provides support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• Mindfulness apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Remember, self-care is an ongoing process, and it's important to make it a priority in your life. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to care for your patients and thrive in your career as a Nurse.

Healthcare should be accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, age, gender, race, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, many people across the nation struggle to access affordable and reliable healthcare. Health equity can only be achieved when every person, regardless of the situation, has a fair and equal opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Many factors can influence health equity, including health disparities, social determinants of health, and cultural competence. Therefore, Nurses must understand these concepts strongly to identify health inequalities and implement changes so our patients can achieve optimal health.

Health Disparities

Unfortunately, health disparities in the United States are more common than you may realize. Health disparities are any barriers that limit a person's access to quality medical care. Population groups most affected by health disparities include ethnic minorities, immigrants, and low-income families. Common barriers that people may experience include socioeconomic status, geological location, sexual identity or orientation, ethnicity, race, age, or disability.

Health disparities can look different for everyone. For example, some people may live in rural areas where they cannot easily access routine health exams. Others may need help understanding health recommendations due to language barriers. Whatever the disadvantage, health disparities can lead to poor health outcomes that negatively contribute to health equity.  

Nurses have a unique advantage in identifying health disparities and implementing changes so that more people can access care. There are many ways Nurses can implement change, including:

• Supporting telehealth and mobile health units so people in rural areas can access medical services
• Ensuring patients have access to interpreter services so they fully understand medical recommendations
• Creating community health projects so those in under-educated populations can better access health education.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Social determinants of health can often be confused with health disparities. Although similar, SDOH refers to an individual's personal circumstances apart from medical care and genetics that can affect health outcomes.

Social determinants of health fall into 5 groups that define how people are born, grow, work, live, and age. These groups are interwoven, causing them all to overlap and relate to each other. The five groups include healthcare, economic stability, education, social life, and neighborhood.

• Healthcare encompasses a person's access and quality of medical care, including access to primary care services, health insurance coverage, and understanding of health literacy.
• Economic stability is the connection between finances and access to healthcare. Employment, poverty, food, and housing security can all affect economic stability and access to healthcare.
• Education focuses on the link between access to quality education and how it relates to health. People who do not have access to secondary or higher education may not have the necessary language and literacy to understand medical needs and care.
• Social life has contributed to learned behaviors around healthcare access. How people live, work, play, and learn within their communities can change how people feel about medical care.
• The neighborhood considers how a person's quality of housing, transportation, access to healthy foods and clean water, as well as exposure to crime and violence play a role in a person's health.

Nurses play a significant role in addressing social determinants of health. You can promote health equity by getting involved in public policies and decision making. Advocating for better care can help prevent illness in underserved populations and improve health equity for all.

Cultural Competence

A strong understanding of cultural competency is essential to achieve health equity. Cultural competency is when healthcare providers provide effective healthcare, even if there may be cultural differences between the provider and the patient.

Nurses can become more culturally competent by learning to engage with a wide range of patients with different cultural, religious, and societal backgrounds. Nurses can show cultural competency by speaking to patients in language and terms they understand or by respecting a patient's cultural or religious values or beliefs.

As a Nurse, providing culturally competent Nursing care can break down communication barriers and improve the health outcomes of our patients.

To better serve our communities, Nurses must be able to identify inequalities in healthcare and implement the necessary changes to improve patient experiences and outcomes. Nurses have a unique position on the frontlines of healthcare to positively improve health equity by helping to provide effective and accessible medical care to all.

Nurse gig shifts refer to temporary or short-term Nursing assignments that are often offered through staffing agencies or online apps. These shifts can range in length from a few hours to several weeks or months and are often taken by Nurses who are looking for flexible work arrangements or who want to supplement their income.

Gig shifts can be beneficial for both Nurses and healthcare facilities. Nurses who work gig shifts have the flexibility to choose when and where they work, and they can often earn a higher hourly rate than they would in a traditional full-time position. Healthcare facilities can use gig shifts to fill staffing gaps or to cover unexpected absences, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.

According to The Wall Street Journal, embracing gig apps is one way hospitals and health systems are looking to provide flexibility and fill vacancies. This includes Providence Health.

Providence added gig Nurses last year and has filled 13,000 shifts for Nurses and other medical roles, Mark Smith, who oversees workforce analysis, staffing and optimization for the organization, told The Wall Street Journal. He also told the publication the health system plans to expand gig work from 12 hospitals and Nursing homes to 19.

“We make sure the Nurses who work through the app are thoroughly vetted and have the licenses and certifications required to work on the Nursing unit they’re receiving training to work on, just like our own caregivers do,” Smith explained. “At Providence, we’ve found that Nurses taking assignments through the app fill six shifts per month.”

Among the apps hospitals are adopting are ShiftKey, which lets Nurses bid for shifts, and CareRev, which lets hospitals raise and lower their rates for different shifts. 

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to working gig shifts. These can include inconsistent work schedules, lack of benefits, and a lack of job security. Nurses who work gig shifts may also miss out on opportunities for professional development and career advancement that are more readily available in traditional full-time positions.

Overall, whether or not you should pursue gig shifts depends on your personal goals and priorities. It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of gig work as well as research potential employers and platforms before accepting any assignments.

There is a growing need for more Nurse Educators to address the current shortage of Nurses and ensure the future generations of Nurses are well-trained and prepared to provide quality care.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2021-2031, the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031, an increase of 195,400 Nurses. The Bureau also projects 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031 when Nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of Nurses needed in the U.S.
 
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) workforce, including Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives, is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupation, by 40% from 2021 through 2031, according to the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Approximately 30,200 new APRNs, which are prepared in master’s and doctoral programs, will be needed each year through 2031 to meet the rising demand for care.

Nurse Educators play a vital role in the education and training of Nursing students and are responsible for developing and delivering curriculum, designing and implementing clinical experiences, and evaluating student progress.

The shortage of Nurse Educators at Nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for Nurses continues to grow.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), budget constraints, an aging faculty, and increasing job competition from clinical sites have contributed to this crisis.

However, increasing the number of Nurse Educators is critical to addressing the Nursing shortage and ensuring that there are enough qualified Nurses to meet the needs of patients. 

There are several strategies that can be implemented to increase the number of Nurse Educators:

Increase Funding

Providing increased funding for Nursing education programs can help schools hire additional faculty and offer competitive salaries and benefits packages.

It's recommended, Congress pass legislation that would invest in Nursing faculty, clinical placements, and Nursing program facilities so that colleges and universities have the resources to enroll and graduate more students. 

Tuition Forgiveness

Providing tuition forgiveness or loan repayment programs for Nurses who pursue advanced degrees in Nursing education can help incentivize Nurses to become Educators. Learn more about loan forgiveness or loan repayment programs here. 

Mentorship Programs

Providing mentorship programs to support new Nurse Educators can help with their retention and success in the field. These programs are meant to encourage mutual professional growth between both the mentor and the mentee through a dynamic and supportive relationship.

Flexible Scheduling

People everywhere are demanding a shift toward work-life balance. Healthcare professionals are constantly working long hours, with little to no flexibility in their schedules. Offering flexible scheduling options can help attract individuals who may be interested in teaching but have other commitments, such as family or outside work.

Professional Development

Nurse Educators are tasked with nurturing the growth and education of Nurses, but they also need opportunities for growth and development. Offering opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending conferences or pursuing advanced degrees, can help keep Nurse Educators up-to-date on the latest Nursing practices and research.

Collaborations with Healthcare Facilities

Partnerships between Nursing schools and healthcare facilities can help provide clinical experiences for Nursing students and provide opportunities for Nurses to transition into teaching roles.

Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, RN, Director of Nursing programs at the American Nurses Association, told Becker's Hospital Review, she views it as "building a bridge" between schools and hospitals to train Nurses in real-world healthcare situations. Additionally, she said, growing an in-house team of Nurse Educators provides a pipeline for hospitals who can be actively involved in cultivating their own future workforces.

By implementing these strategies, Nursing schools and healthcare organizations can work together to address the shortage of Nurse Educators and make sure future generations of Nurses receive the education and training they need to provide high-quality patient care.

Maternal health disparities are a significant problem in the United States. Women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

According to the Center for Health Care Strategies, Black infants are more than twice as likely to die within the first year of life as white infants. Native Americans/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islanders, and subgroups of Latina women and children also fare worse than white families when it comes to maternal and child health outcomes.

Reducing racial disparities in maternal health requires a multilayered approach that addresses the underlying social causes of health and institutional racism.

Here are some strategies that could help erase racial disparities in maternal health:

Increase Access to High-Quality Prenatal Care

Black women are less likely to receive early and regular prenatal care than white women, which can lead to higher rates of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Improving access to high-quality prenatal care can help reduce these disparities.

Address Structural Racism in Healthcare

Structural racism in healthcare, including implicit bias among healthcare providers, contributes to maternal health disparities. This racism means African American women often receive poorer quality care than white women. It means the denial of care when African American women seek help when enduring pain or that health care and social service providers fail to treat them with dignity and respect. This issue requires training healthcare providers to recognize and address their own biases and implementing policies that promote equity, culturally competent care and justice.

Increase Awareness and Education

Raising awareness of these disparities and educating the public, healthcare providers, and policy makers can help reduce disparities. This includes addressing the impact of systemic racism and the social determinants of health that contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.

Address Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health, such as poverty, lack of access to healthy food and safe housing, and limited access to transportation, can all impact maternal health outcomes. Improving these underlying issues can positively impact maternal health outcomes for all women.

Invest in Maternal Health Research

Investing in research on maternal health disparities can help identify effective approaches and programs. This includes studying the impact of implicit bias, the effectiveness of community-based interventions, and the impact of policies that address social determinants of health.

In conclusion, racial disparities in maternal health is complex and cannot be resolved overnight. This requires a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying social determinants of health and institutional racism. By implementing these strategies, we can work towards improving maternal health outcomes for all women, regardless of race.

As Nurses, death can be a regular, everyday occurrence. But just because we encounter death frequently does not mean that experiencing the loss of a patient won't impact us. In this profession, we care for people when they are at their most vulnerable, and we create meaningful relationships with many of our patients and their families.

When we lose a patient, it’s common for Nurses to experience grief and it can be challenging to navigate the grief you feel. Here are some ways to help you cope with the loss of a patient.

Acknowledge the Loss

Losing a patient is just as real as losing any other person in your life. Try not to minimize the impact the loss of a patient has made on your life. Allow yourself the time to feel your feelings and emotions.

It is normal to experience emotions of sadness, anger, shock, or even disbelief. Some Nurses may also experience physical changes in response to the loss, such as trouble sleeping, nausea and fatigue, anger, or poor concentration. Acknowledging the loss and honoring the person's life can help you move past your grief.

Find Support

Finding support from your peers, colleagues, friends, and family is essential for coping with the loss of a patient. Having a good support system allows you to express your feelings of grief and helps you get some of the emotions you are experiencing off your chest.  

For example, many facilities offer briefings after a patient is lost so that all healthcare team members can express their thoughts and feelings and discuss how to improve patient care in the future. In addition, some Nurses may find that speaking with a therapist or grief counselor can help them navigate feelings and offer support after experiencing the loss of a patient.

Practice Self-Care

Grief can often manifest itself physically, so it is essential to prioritize your physical health after losing a patient. Nurses should get adequate sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly to maintain their physical well-being. In addition, some Nurses find that meditating or practicing yoga can help heal the mind and body.  

Take a Break

Death is an emotional experience, and as Nurses, we are only human. It is not unreasonable to feel all the emotions surrounding the loss of a patient. It is OK to take a break when things get tough. If you are overwhelmed with emotions after losing a patient on the job, it’s ok to take a break to cry, take a walk, or call a friend to talk. It is important to care for your personal needs so you can get back to taking the best care of your patients.

Coping with the loss of a patient can be challenging, but the first step in learning to cope is acknowledging that grief is a normal reaction to any loss. Acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, practicing self-care, and knowing when you need to take a break can help prevent Nurses from experiencing burnout and get you back to providing your patients with excellent patient care.

Congratulations on starting your Nursing career! Here are some pieces of advice that may help you as a new Nurse:

Never stop learning

Nursing is a constantly evolving field and there are always new things to learn. Attend continuing education classes, read Nursing journals, go to Nursing conferences, join Nursing associations, and stay up-to-date on the latest research.

Get to know your teammates 

Don't hesitate breaking the ice, introduce yourself, others are probably wondering who this new person is! Once you get to know everyone, try keeping a close group of people you can rely on and talk to when need be. Every one needs a helping hand or shoulder to lean on time and again. 

Sara Lentz DNP, MSN, RN, CNL at Heritage Dignity Health said, "Get to know everyone you work with, from the top to the bottom of the organizational structure. It doesn’t matter if someone is cooking, providing bedside care, or a chief — everybody is there for a common goal and a part of your work family.”

Don't be afraid to ask questions

As a new Nurse, it's okay to not know everything. Ask your colleagues and mentors for help when you need it.

Mary Erickson, RN, Clinical Care Leader at Sanford Health said, "Even after 34 years in the ICU, there is still plenty for me to learn and there will be for you, too. A Nurse who asks a lot of questions and continues to expand their knowledge and expertise will undoubtedly provide good, quality care to patients."

Be organized

Nursing can be a busy and demanding profession, so it's important to be organized. Develop a system for keeping track of your tasks, and prioritize your to-do list. Try taking notes or use a Nursing report sheet, so you can ensure you're always on top of your game.

Stay calm

One of the most important things a new Nurse can do is to remain calm under pressure. When difficult situations arise, it is a Nurse’s job to provide a sense of calm for their patients and their families.

Develop good communication skills

Effective communication is essential in Nursing. Learn how to communicate clearly and effectively with your colleagues, patients, and their families.

“Look at your patient so you notice their nonverbal communication. Find ways to assess fine motor skill where they don’t notice it. For example, when working home health have them reach for pen when signing paperwork. My assessment begins the minute I enter their room or when they open the door. Use ALL of your senses! Actively listen to patients and their family," says Nurse Kay.

Take care of yourself

Burnout in Nursing is common as it's a physically and emotionally demanding job. It's critical you take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, enjoy your social life, exercise regularly, and find ways to manage stress.

Be compassionate

Don’t ever forget, you're in the profession of caring. It's important to be compassionate toward your patients and their families. Treat each patient as an individual, with their own unique needs, fears, and preferences.

Build a support network

This career can be challenging, so it's important to have a support system of colleagues, friends, and family members who understand what you're going through.

“Being a Nurse will change your life. It changes your outlook on a lot of things--makes you more passionate about some, thankful for some and just down-right mad about others,” Nina Vella, RN, at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center said, adding that the best part of being a Nurse is “getting to genuinely make a difference in someone’s life. When a patient tells you ‘thank you for saving my life,’ you can’t help but to be proud. When you get to watch a patient that you didn’t know would live or not walk out of a hospital and know that you are a part of the reason they can live again, you can’t explain the feeling!”

Nursing is a rewarding profession that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives. With compassion, great communication skills, an inquisitive and confident nature, a good support network, and a commitment to stay healthy both mentally and physically, you will become an excellent Nurse and make a positive impact on the world.