I’m a Nurse. Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.
Kathy Parlevliet, the Nurse who Knows. Sharing the seriousness of safety in the work environment. This comes into play every day. Sometimes small. An electrical outlet that is sparking. Water leaking or shooting into the environment. Wet floors, broken chairs, broken doors, and countless other obstacles. Then the bigger stuff. Potentials that are lurking and out of our control. For me, it is fire and earthquakes. Having experienced both while working can raise serious awareness.
My biggest conversation is to look around your environment. Think about the what if scenario. What would you do? How could you prepare to make it safer? What would be in your control?
Many committees wrapped around this concern, are not personal enough. They see the big picture. But having experienced that moment when it is only you and your work friends and patients, in the dark of night. Where skeleton staff exists, and only one administrator on campus. Leads you to recognize the endless poor outcome possibilities. The reality is that it is your responsibility for your safety.
Are you really thinking that anyone else besides your core group is going to help you? They all independently are having their own issues. Maybe after a period of time, someone might help. But not in that moment. How can you fight the flight urge?
Being prepared. Take accountability for your safety. Make a private plan. Talk about it. It can help. In my department, I have a plan. I am on the first floor of a 6-story building. When an earthquake happens, the building could crumble on top of us. Or a fire in the building. I have exit strategies. Safe places designated for the immediate moment in each area of our department. I have a small flashlight and lightweight whistle on my ID. A whistle works better than yelling if you are trapped. And you must recognize, that you can’t help anyone if you get hurt. Post traumatic stress disorder is real even in our world. Try to protect yourself from it.
If you need support. Helping you recognize how to fine tune your work environment. A personal safety plans. Less Stress. I am here for you.
TheRNcoach.com
Let’s talk soon,
Kathy
© 2024 The Nurse Who Knows
