I’m a Nurse, Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.
Kathy Parlevliet, the Nurse who knows. Most nurses can walk into the department and feel the energy of their unit. It doesn’t matter if it is night shift or day shift, it happens. The other day as I approached the doors to my department, I could already sense a shift. It starts with the waiting room which I pass by. If there are several people inside, and awake, then usually a sign of crisis. Taking a deep breath and hitting the door opener with my badge, inside I went. All the lights were on in the unit. Equipment out of place everywhere. And no one sitting at the desk charting. Looking down the long hallway of my department, I can see nurses, respiratory therapists, lab technician, x-ray technician and a doctor. The desks are strewn with charts, and old coffee. As the dayshift continues to come in the unit. They feel it too. Time to get ready for a busy day.
What do you need to do in those few moments to prepare? How can you comfort your tired and late coworker? When should you reach out to others to help? Or get help?
The first thing that I like to do is ask how was the shift? That allows the to debrief me and also acknowledge that it was a tough night. Then I ask if there is anything, I can get them. Usually, I get a funny remark that would be heard as a stress reliever. But sometimes I can help. And then they feel supported. Our job can feel isolated when there are many little crisis’s going on in patient rooms. After all it is critical care. These patients are sick. And stuff happens, and it can be quick and unexpected. And we need to respond. Knowing that critical care nurses are adrenalin junkies. Everyday an event, and we need to react. Smartly and quickly with a awareness that others are watching. Our approach has to be in control. Meltdowns are not acceptable.
Beginning my twelve-hour shift, I want all the nurses to feel supported. Sometimes, it is not possible of course. After I receive my report, I will go and check on the sickest patient and nurse. Getting and overview, gives both of us an understanding of the day. During the course of the next hour, I attempt to connect with everyone. Chaos can be controlled. Knowledge that we are going to have a full day again. If it is especially busy, I will ask other nurses to help each other for specific tasks. At least they know who to reach out to. Being disrespectful to each other, is not acceptable.
The conversation about assignments is always a negotiation. Skillset is important. However, not the same nurse every time. The one who can handle it the best, shouldn’t always be the answer. Build strength in your department. Confidence is important as a nurse. Stress has to be shared, or the nurses start having personal conflicts. If a nurse continues to receive the sickest patient. I promise them about a reassignment on the next shift. And, I try to help them.
If you struggle with ongoing craziness and need extra support. I am hear for you at TheRNcoach.com.
Let’s talk soon,
Kathy
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