How to Make Life Easier for Nurses (2024)

Between theexodusof nursesleavingtheirprofession, the global pandemic's repercussions(moreon-the-jobdemandwithfewerresources andmorestress and burnout), andestimatesthat an additional 500,000 nursesare retiring, the U.S.willsoonbe short about1.1 millionnurses.

Sincenursing is no longer a commodity, what can the industry do differently toprioritizenursesand keepthemsatisfiedin their jobs?

Provide respectand fulfill fundamental needs.Start byidentifyingfour key"cracks"that may exist in yourorganizationalfoundation:Safety threats(whether physical or emotional), compromises in care delivery, alack of time to recover from traumatic experiences, andthe problem nursesface when theyfeel isolated.And ifnurses face rude,demeaning, unresponsive,or abusivedoctors,theyshould be able toreportthisbehavior without fear of repercussion. Anopen-door policyenabling anonymousreporting ensuresnursingstaff feelssafe and lowerserror andburnout rates.

Reduce burnoutwith better patient/staff ratios.Some states'legislation regulates nursestaffing ratios. This approachleads to lower burnout ratesand ensures nurses are not too tired and overworked to make their best decisions and positively affect patient care quality.

Providebetterpayand resources.It'swiseto make investmentsthat willimprovenurses'careers,offeringleadership development, educational opportunities, and additional training.Further, new graduatesmayhavemassivestudent loandebts.Considerpayingnurses higher wages, providingthem with free education to advance in their careers,orofferingthem excellent medical benefitsorbonuses, if theyarewithin your budget.

Provide flexible work hoursand locations.Withworkflexibility,nursesfeel more valued and less stressed.AtoolliketheShiftMedmobile appletshealthcare professionalstake a quiz,provide their credentials, andclaim shiftsin locationsthat work for them.

Offering nurses an improved work environment with greater flexibility will reduce burnout and lead to happier nurses. ShiftMedprovides a mobile app for healthcare professionals that allows them to claim shifts that work for them and their schedules. ShiftMed also enables hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to reach their required staffing levels. Apply today to see how to improve your work-life balance.

How to Make Life Easier for Nurses (2024)

FAQs

How to Make Life Easier for Nurses? ›

Consider paying nurses higher wages, providing them with free education to advance in their careers, or offering them excellent medical benefits or bonuses, if they are within your budget. Provide flexible work hours and locations. With work flexibility, nurses feel more valued and less stressed.

What do the happiest nurses do? ›

The job of a transplant nurse is one of the happiest nursing jobs due to the low nurse-to-patient ratio and excellent pay. This highly specialized job is very satisfying as you will assist in a process that saves lives.

What is the hardest thing a nurse has to do? ›

Seeing the death of their patients.

"Seeing those patients you took care of die and how devastating it is to the family" is the hardest part of being a nurse, said Melissa, a nurse from Oklahoma city.

How can I improve myself as a nurse? ›

How to Become a Better Nurse: 10 Areas Of Improvement for Nurses
  1. Never Stop Learning. Your nursing education does not end with nursing school. ...
  2. Check, and Then Check Again. People make mistakes. ...
  3. Ask Questions. ...
  4. Do Not Assume. ...
  5. Stay Patient-Centered. ...
  6. Take Care of Yourself. ...
  7. Befriend Technology. ...
  8. Connect With a Mentor.

How can I enjoy being a nurse again? ›

Let's find that joy and smile that you once had from being a nurse.
  1. These 5 tips can make you feel more passionate about nursing:
  2. Find a Support System. If you hate your job, most likely you will withdraw from the people that you work with. ...
  3. Let It Go. ...
  4. Avoid Games. ...
  5. Follow the Sunshine. ...
  6. Create a Bucket List – Nurse-Style.

What field are nurses most happy in? ›

Happiest Nursing Jobs
  • School Nurse. Nurses in schools are available to help care for students who are presenting with an illness or who require assistance with medication administration for a previously diagnosed condition. ...
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
  • Case Management Nurse. ...
  • Nurse Educator. ...
  • Parish Nurse. ...
  • Travel Nurse.
Aug 26, 2022

Which nursing specialty has the highest burnout rate? ›

Critical care nurses suffer the highest rates of burnout.

This is mainly due to the nature of the job, as critical care nurses work specialize in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). As such, their work environment is constantly fast-paced, meticulous, and demanding.

What is the greatest weakness as a nurse? ›

Examples of common nursing weaknesses our experts say they hear include:
  • Paying too much attention to detail.
  • Wanting to do everything at once.
  • Spending too long on paperwork.
  • Having a lack of clinical experience (for new grads)

What is the most stressful type of nursing? ›

The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

How do I know if I'm a good nurse? ›

12 Signs You Have What It Takes to Become a Nurse
  • The Traits & Characteristics for a Successful Nursing Career. ...
  • Compassion and empathy. ...
  • Strong communication skills. ...
  • Solid physical stamina. ...
  • Emotional resiliency. ...
  • A strong stomach. ...
  • Attention to detail while multitasking. ...
  • Strong sense of ethics.
Feb 1, 2023

What is your strongest skill as a nurse? ›

Having empathy to interact with the patient and their family and helping them to cope with problems is very important in a nursing position. Having the ability to understand and share those feelings with the patient and their loved ones is an essential strength for a nurse.

What makes you a strong nurse? ›

Excellent time management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities can help you hone this skill. Integrity and advocacy: Core nursing strengths include a strong moral compass while providing care with integrity, and a strong focus on patient advocacy.

Is it normal to not want to be a nurse anymore? ›

As a nurse, you have probably found yourself at one point or another wondering if you made the right career choice. Maybe you're feeling overworked and underpaid, or maybe you're just ready for a change. Whatever the reason, it's normal to feel like nursing isn't always the best fit.

Why is nursing so hard for me? ›

Challenging Course Material

The main reason people ask, “is nursing school hard?” is because of the course material. Nursing school involves learning complicated concepts and practical skills, then applying that information to diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts.

What to do when you are overwhelmed as a nurse? ›

One of the best ways to beat stress is to relax. Not de-stressing, particularly after a very busy shift, can make you feel burnt out and unhappy about your work in the long run. To help you stay motivated, it's best if you can find an activity that you like, such as biking or even taking cooking classes.

Which nursing specialty has the happiest nurses? ›

Outpatient case managers and office nurses are some of the happiest in the field, according to an article written by Donna Reese, MSN, RN, and published by Nursing Process.

Which nursing specialty is the least stressful? ›

Frequently topping the list of the least stressful nursing jobs are that of nurse educators. Nurse educators are RNs who hold an advanced education degree; however, it is not required in all instances. Typically nurse educators teach in universities but may also work in trade schools and community colleges.

What is the most stressful nursing job? ›

The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

What is the best nursing job for anxious introverts? ›

For introverts, a private duty nurse position can lead to satisfaction in a nursing environment that gives them the best of both worlds. Private duty nursing allows nurses to avoid frequent social interactions while providing bedside care. The only downside to this nursing career is the irregular hours.

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