Many countries now identify healthcare as the number one public priority. Although several professions are involved in running the smooth operations of a medical facility, the nurses play a central role in delivering quality care.
The profession has expanded from individuals caring for the sick to researchers, advocates, and health policymakers. However, unprecedented times like the recent COVID-19 pandemic have made us realize how nothing is definite. We must continue striving for betterment and progress, personally and professionally, to get ahead.
Every medical professional should consider working towards improving their work performance. Each day must be better than the last so that you can provide the best care to your patients. Since nurses are often the primary caregivers, their role in delivering error-free care to patients is crucial.
By identifying your strengths and weaknesses in your routine tasks, you can develop proper assessment strategies to improve work performance. Additionally, advancements in modern science are constantly bringing new health concerns to light. As a nurse, you must keep yourself aware of the latest development and gain relevant skills that help you perform better.
Here are some practices you can implement to improve performance and fulfill your goals as a nurse.
1. Continue education
Professionals who are always open to learning and advancing their education get the most out of their careers. It’s the same for nurses.
They stay up-to-date on the latest advances in treatment and care strategies by continuing their education. It also allows them to explore other career opportunities like education, health management, and public health. Nurses who choose to enroll in an online RN to BSN program can pursue advanced education that seamlessly fits into any busy schedule.
In addition, the long shifts and excessive workload make it challenging for healthcare professionals to enroll in another program. However, online programs save prospective candidates time and money and offer the flexibility to study at their own pace.
Continuing your education can provide you with access to many different specialties and practice areas. It prevents burnout and keeps you motivated to perform well, thereby providing the best quality care to your patient.
2. Be people-oriented
The day-to-day tasks never really seem to end. With several pending responsibilities you must address within a short period, it’s easy to go into an automated mode and hang an IV or update a patient’s chart without connecting with your patient.
And so, it becomes effortless for nurses to become work-oriented rather than people-oriented. But healthcare is all about providing quality care to your patients and making them feel heard. Sure, you might be asking them how they’re feeling, but are you listening to their answer before you move on to the next task?
Greet them by name, introduce yourself, and tell them why you’re here. If you have to give instructions or ask questions, do it while sitting down and maintaining eye contact.
These actions let your patient know they’re not just a task you’re waiting to cross off a to-do list but that you genuinely care about their responses. It also makes them feel more comfortable asking questions or concerns regarding an upcoming surgery or test procedure.
3. Establish long-term goals
While working in healthcare requires you to be people-oriented rather than work-oriented, it’s still helpful to set goals for yourself. These include daily goals of what you want to accomplish in a day’s work, as well as long-term goals related to your career. Our brains tend to respond better to established goals and deadlines rather than working randomly without any set destination.
Setting your future goals isn’t that easy, but it’s still very much possible. Therefore, make a list of the things you need to accomplish at the beginning of each day. Start tackling them one by one. Find out where you see yourself professionally in the future by taking a few minutes from your busy schedule.
Are you happy with your current job? How can you work towards getting more opportunities? Where do you see your nursing career going?
Answers to these questions can help you identify your future goals. Once you have that, break them into smaller doable steps like looking for the right program, enrolling in a particular course, or setting aside a budget. Having short- and long-term goals gives your mind something to focus on, helping you perform better as a nurse.
4. Make communication a priority
A good nurse must have expertise in both clinical and communication skills. Taking steps to improve your communication can significantly impact your job performance and help provide better care to your patients. Many people mistakenly believe that communication is all about the words and language you use.
However, body language also considerably impacts how effectively a message gets across to your patient. Make a habit of approaching them calmly and connecting with them when you meet. A small smile and a gentle touch go a long way in offering them comfort and making your patient feel at ease.
Be assertive when speaking to your team members but don’t forget to be polite. It’s not just the patients you need to communicate with effectively, but your co-workers too. Explain things clearly and delegate tasks without leaving any room for confusion. If there’s something you want to say to a colleague, don’t tiptoe around it but instead approach the subject even if it gets awkward.
5. Take care of yourself
To properly take care of your patients, you must first take care of yourself. The healthcare sector is a demanding profession. But working double shifts and overtiring yourself compromises not only your physical and mental health but also affects the care you provide your patient.
Taking the time out just for yourself may seem complicated, but it’s crucial to manage your health and relax. At the end of each shift, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Commit to eating healthy and avoid binging on junk foods and energy drinks.
Although grabbing a quick snack or takeout for lunch may seem more manageable, it can quickly become devastating for your health. As a nurse, no one knows better than you how important it is to fuel up on the proper nutrients. So take your advice and start taking proper care of yourself.
Conclusion
Today, nurses play a vital role in society by advocating for health promotion and preventing injury and illnesses. As one of the most flourishing professions, nursing provides various opportunities for individuals to explore new careers. But to excel, you must perform better at work and build upon your current skills to advance professionally.
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