Mentoring Mindfulness

I’m a Nurse, Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.

Looking into the definition of what is mentoring?  For myself, it is a realistic approach to situations presented throughout the day.  As a charge nurse for over 25 years, there has been a million moments.  Being approached for input or directives everyday and probably every hour of my work day, makes me think about being mindful. However, I respond, creates more cause and effect.  It is with careful consideration of possibilities that I react to each moment.

Have you ever recognized what happens when moments in your workday weren’t taken care of effectively?  If the moment escalates into another level of chaos, then negativity prevails.  Stress is a constant in our work world.  This is life and death every single day that we work.  Few professions are like nursing, being tactful is critical.

Entering my department for a day of work, is full of unknowns.  That is the challenge for me, being mindful.  Thriving on the reality of every patient’s life has changed because they are in the hospital.  Their families are under extra stress and fear based on unknown possibilities. Being a mentor RN voice in the hospital is a lot of accountability.  Keeping calm and knowing how to think clearly for everyone around me.  Always trying to be aware of the best choice possible.

What happens when you are the mentor?  How do you support your work family and patient families? Who can support you?Knowing that some days feel out of control, and the activity level is high, take a step back and look at every employee in the area.  Can you see who is the most stressed?  Can you see who appears to be unaware of the department’s energy?  Then approach the area of the most stressed nurse, and listen.  Listening is key to mentoring; it makes everyone know that you care.  Sometimes, you need to ask more questions to help with decisions.   Don’t leave to quickly, your presence can be calming.  Sometimes physically helping is necessary, making phone calls, or supporting families.  Try not to add to the stress, be a helper. 

Supporting patients’ by having family close by can be comforting. Give them knowledge about what is happening, allow questions.  Knowledge can be so powerful.  If possible, let them know what might be next.

Real life moments can take many turns.  Who can help you?  Look around, ask for support from others.  It is a sign of strength to recognize that you can’t do everything sometimes.

If you are having difficulty with mentoring, I am here for you. TheRNcoach.com.

Let’s talk soon

Kathy