I am a Nurse, Frontliner for Covid-19, and a Stress Management Coach.
Kathy Parlevliet, the nurse who knows. Dealing with moments every day that breaks apart the team goals. With the Pandemic that has been surrounding us for almost a year, we are not surprised by our fatigue. However, trying to maintain unity in department can be difficult. Everyone has a different perspective of the world we live in while at work. Being out of compliance for our workload and recognizing how much you cannot accomplish to completion is disheartening. Some of us come with a calm heart to work, while others have anxiety. Encouraging words sometimes is not enough. You need help.
How can you get help when you need it? What can you do when anxiety creeps into your workday? When should you speak up?
Utilizing outside help is vital. Some nurses lean into this concept, while others don’t want to be a burden. They are trying to do the impossible, and then become anxious that they cannot get their work done. Just dressing up in isolation gear is tiring. Create a plan for yourself. Utilize the extra help in one bundle. Feeling more in control of all the necessary orders of the day. Establish a time with them and be ready.
Have you eaten anything? Being dehydrated is an issue with all the gear we wear. Drink water before you start your day. And find ways to remind yourself that you need to hydrate. Not having a designated time to break away for lunch can lead to being angry. Establish a time for lunch with your break nurse and keep it. Walk away and breathe.
Speaking up is sometimes necessary. Being continuously overwhelmed is stressful. Maybe there is a solution that can be utilized. If you are so upset, it is difficult to be effective. Step back and review what is the main reason that you are feeling this way. What can be one thing to help you move forward. Look around you and ask a work partner for help. Find a equitable compromise. They undoubtedly are struggling too. Even the calm ones, can feel anxious. If you need to share your concerns with management, prepare with a solution. They aren’t seeing what you see. Starting your conversation with, “I have a concern.” Staying positive and searching for an outcome. Staying United is the goal.
If you are unable to share your feelings. I am here for you.
Kathy Parlevliet, the RNcoach.com
Let’s talk soon.
© 2024 The Nurse Who Knows
