A Need For Change

"The best time to plant seeds for your future was 20 years ago... The second best time to plant seeds for your future is NOW"

You are a new graduate starting your career in nursing with passion, excitement, and eagerness. With so many opportunities ahead, you decide not to limit yourself to the endless possibilities. You eventually find a place on a unit in a large hospital. As years go by, you have realized you have dedicated so much time to one unit and now your craving a change of pace in your work routine. You feel like you have hit a wall and have stopped growing professionally and personally.

I think what you may be experiencing is burnout or compassion fatigue. So what’s next?

1. Take time off to help bring up your spirit. Planning a weekend get away will help clear your mind and allow you to take a step back from the real world! This can be crucial to recognizing what your soul really needs!

2. Pay attention to your physical health and listen to your body! Are you physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted? RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS. Be kind to your body and remember that balance is key.

3. Consider a change in pace. You don't necessarily need to leave your unit to get a change of pace! This can be looking for any leadership roles in your current workplace or looking for a position elsewhere.

4. Talk about it! Get an outside perspective about your goals, needs and wishes. Look to family, friends, coworkers, or mentors for advice. Remember you don't need to make hard decisions alone. Sometimes an outside perspective can shine light on things you haven't noticed!

5. Prioritize self care. Take the time to refocus yourself. You can't help others if you can't help yourself!

Steps to making change according to Professional Nursing (Hood):

Endorse the need for change

Have “ownership” of the need for change

Weigh the pro's and con's.

Develop an enhanced sense of self-worth

Identify realistic goals and workable plans

Seek gradual change, rather than a “quick fix”

Don’t just jump into a new unit

Do your research

Talk to coworkers

Talk to the director about the expectations on the unit

Shadow if you can on your free time

Find a mentor

Have patience

Address starting new behaviors, instead of focusing on what behaviors should be stopped

Practice new behaviors

Seek the support of family, friends, colleagues, and or health care professionals

Have a strategy for monitoring progress and making needed changes

Seek constructive feed back

Here's some advice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtLyCQ2SDX0