Nursing is considered one of the most respectable professions worldwide. It is a profession that has a direct impact on the lives of countless people. But it does not come without difficulties, especially for the nurses.
The truth is that these challenges can make the working environment difficult for nurses and reduce career satisfaction levels. A decline in career satisfaction can cause nurses to quit or change their jobs. In the long run, this affects the quality of care delivered to patients. There is no doubt that nurses have many responsibilities. They have to assist patients, help with medical procedures, do patient paperwork, and so much more. But the challenges they face can become an obstacle in their daily work. Some of the prevalent challenges that nurses face even in developed countries include:
1. Inadequate staffing
Inadequate staffing has become a significant issue in the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is rapidly expanding to accommodate the growing social healthcare needs. Low mortality rates, particularly among baby boomers, have increased the demand for varied healthcare services. The aging population requires frequent and long term healthcare services, which leaves staff gaps in healthcare facilities. So to compensate for this problem, many healthcare organizations are having their nurses and physicians work overtime.
To counter this, it is essential to train leaders in the nursing profession. A nurse leader can help prioritize work according to high-medium-low priority segmentations. Apart from that, a nurse leader can streamline the workflow to increase efficiency and work productivity. On a personal level, nurses can improve work efficiency by organizing workload. For example, not wasting time fetching equipment and necessary items while attending to the patient. Instead, determine whatever equipment and things you need from the patient report and take them with you. Additionally, healthcare facilities can alleviate staffing pressures by implementing strategies like locum tenens assignments for doctors. These temporary placements help bridge personnel gaps and ensure continuous delivery of care amidst staffing challenges in healthcare settings.
2. Continuing education
The learning process never stops in the healthcare industry. Nurses, especially, have to display their competence all the time. Only then can they provide the best healthcare services to their patient and maintain the quality of their work. To stay up-to-date on best medical practices, nurses have to pursue higher education programs like online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice and different certifications. The burden of studying and hectic work can take a toll on a nurse’s mental and physical health.
To deal with the situation, nurses need to manage their time more effectively. They can utilize off days from work to complete coursework. Instead of taking campus classes, online classes can do wonders in reducing the workload on nurses. Education in nursing can be time-consuming because of the work and clinical experience that is required. However, it is essential to realize that knowledge that comes at the expense of professional integrity may not be worth it.
3. Being overworked and underpaid
Nursing is a hectic job that requires practitioners to be on their feet all the time. So naturally, nurses often feel underpaid in comparison to the amount of hard work and dedication they put in. But it is the institution’s responsibility to manage a stable ratio of how many patients a nurse can deal with in a day. If a nurse tends to more than their designated ratio, it will reduce patient care quality. Overworking a nurse also puts their health at risk.
To overcome this challenge, you as a nurse can communicate with the management staff and ask for their support. The management is responsible for ensuring that all patients are delivered quality service, and the work nurses do is a part of this equation. In case you overwork, you can also negotiate your hourly pay rates with your employer and demand a pay increase.
4. Unsafe working environment
One of the most significant issues a nurse has to face is an unsafe working environment. Naturally, they are at risk of contracting infections from infected patients. This factor can also compromise the healthcare services patients receive. Suppose a nurse stands witness to unsatisfactory safety protocol execution. In that case, it can put both the caregiver’s and the patient’s life at risk. Additionally, healthcare facilities are not immune to workplace hazards such as contamination.
To deal with this situation, safety SOPs need to be established and practiced to the T. Nurses should talk directly to line managers and raise their concerns. The healthcare facility is responsible for providing quality care to its patients while ensuring that the staff is adequately protected.
5. Stress and professional burnout
Extended work shifts and little rest in between can affect a nurses’ health negatively. So it is only natural that nurses experience burnt out because of work stress. Stress and fatigue can lead a nurse to make bad decisions on the job, which can be problematic for the patient and the hospital staff. After all, misjudgment can become a matter of life and death. Apart from that, tired nurses can make administrative mistakes causing problems for the organization. So this is a challenge that you, as a nurse, must deal with.
To deal with this challenge, make sure you pause and take a breath. Give yourself time and rest before your work hours start. Get 6-8 hours of sleep daily and eat meals on time. You can also take walks or do some exercise to energize your body. Apart from that, don’t forget to make time for your friends and family on your days off. All work, no play can harm your body inside out, which is why you must take out time for yourself and do things you enjoy.
Conclusion
The challenges you face as a nurse can make you feel alone and disheartened. But you have to remember that you are not alone. Most of all, you are doing this to help people live better lives. If you feel alone, try communicating with different nurses and network with nursing communities. These people understand the struggle you go through. And who knows, you might find valuable tips to deal with everyday challenges as a nurse. Most of all, remember the reason why you chose this career and focus on it. Every job has its challenges, but these challenges won’t seem that impossible anymore if you focus on the bigger picture.
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