Everyone anticipates a little bit of excitement when they begin a nursing career. While working in such a fast-paced and vibrant environment, you're sure to always be kept on your toes! However, there are some things that you should expect going in. Expecting these things will make your job easier and more enjoyable.
One of the primary reasons you got into nursing was probably to help people, right? That's a great reason to do something! However, don't expect your patients to always see it that way. Far from groveling at your feet for caring for them, you will encounter cranky, ungrateful patients who just want you to leave them alone. Keep in mind, these people are sick, injured, and annoyed at their predicament. The best way to combat this is with patience and understanding. If you don't expect perfection from your patients, it will be easier to shake off their cranky moods and snippy remarks.
However, patients are not the only people to expect attitude from. The doctors you will be working under are likely to give you problems occasionally. Many doctors are incredibly pleasant and easy to work with. They respect the work you do and appreciate your professional work and input in various situations. However, there are also doctors with God complexes. They will micro-manage everything you do, question every decision you make, and talk to you in patronizing tones. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this. On the medical totem pole, doctors are definitely a head above nurses. All you can do is smile and nod, while doing your best to keep tensions low.
As a nurse, expect some sleepless nights. If you think that having a newborn is tiring, imagine taking care of a whole nursery of newborns for 24 hours straight! Most nurses are required to be on call sometimes, and part of being on call is working exceedingly long shifts occasionally. What can you do about this? Appreciate the overtime and learn how to function on very little sleep. Being tired is no excuse for slipping in your job duties or being rude to your coworkers or patients, so learn how to stay focused even when your brain feels like scrambled eggs.
While the majority of nursing is pleasant, there are situations that can make you roll your eyes and wonder why you ever entered the medical profession. As long as you know how to handle conflicts that pop up, you are set!
One of the primary reasons you got into nursing was probably to help people, right? That's a great reason to do something! However, don't expect your patients to always see it that way. Far from groveling at your feet for caring for them, you will encounter cranky, ungrateful patients who just want you to leave them alone. Keep in mind, these people are sick, injured, and annoyed at their predicament. The best way to combat this is with patience and understanding. If you don't expect perfection from your patients, it will be easier to shake off their cranky moods and snippy remarks.
However, patients are not the only people to expect attitude from. The doctors you will be working under are likely to give you problems occasionally. Many doctors are incredibly pleasant and easy to work with. They respect the work you do and appreciate your professional work and input in various situations. However, there are also doctors with God complexes. They will micro-manage everything you do, question every decision you make, and talk to you in patronizing tones. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this. On the medical totem pole, doctors are definitely a head above nurses. All you can do is smile and nod, while doing your best to keep tensions low.
As a nurse, expect some sleepless nights. If you think that having a newborn is tiring, imagine taking care of a whole nursery of newborns for 24 hours straight! Most nurses are required to be on call sometimes, and part of being on call is working exceedingly long shifts occasionally. What can you do about this? Appreciate the overtime and learn how to function on very little sleep. Being tired is no excuse for slipping in your job duties or being rude to your coworkers or patients, so learn how to stay focused even when your brain feels like scrambled eggs.
While the majority of nursing is pleasant, there are situations that can make you roll your eyes and wonder why you ever entered the medical profession. As long as you know how to handle conflicts that pop up, you are set!