Compassion and Nursing

Compassion and nursing should go hand in hand. Many of us know, having a nurse that is not compassionate makes that trip to the hospital a regrettable one. In order to provide meaningful care to our future clients, we must remember to be empathetic and considerate to patients and their loved ones. It is important that we put ourselves in the patient's position, and realize how we would like to be treated by the health care team. When a nurse has compassion for her patient, it allows the therapeutic relationship to take place naturally; it allows a deeper connection to be developed. I know that in the past, I have felt much more comfortable with a nurse that shows that she cares, understands and genuinely wants to help. Not only is compassion important for the rehabilitation of patients, but also for the mental well-being of the nurse as well. Compassion allows us to see patients for who they are, and helps us to avoid judgements and biases that can generate negative feelings. After all, we all want to remain positive so that we can enjoy each day, and provide the best care that we are able to.

Burnout

Burnout is something that worries me a little when thinking about my future in nursing. I am very motivated and excited to begin my journey as a nurse, but I often wonder if I, like so many other nurses, will one day burnout. There are a few great nurses that I know who seem to be burning out, and I'm sure that at one time they too were motivated and excited like me. Is it possible to avoid burnout? Nurses are overworked, and work long hours; everyday they give themselves in order to help others. Although this is the profession they have chosen, it still takes a toll on a person. After all, nurses are only human too!
So what can we do to avoid burnout? I don't know the answer to this question. Really all we can do is stay positive, provide the best care we can, but don't give away our whole selves; a healthy balance is a must!!

13 Signs of Burnout and How To Help You Avoid It

So how do you know if you, a loved one, or someone who reports to you is suffering from burnout? Here are the early warning signs.
1. Chronic fatigue - exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
2. Anger at those making demands
3. Self-criticism for putting up with the demands
4. Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
5. A sense of being besieged
6. Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
7. Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
8. Weight loss or gain
9. Sleeplessness and depression
10. Shortness of breath
11. Suspiciousness
12. Feelings of helplessness
13. Increased degree of risk taking

Neils, H. (2008). 13 signs of burnout and how to help you avoid it. Retrieved December 2, 2008 from http://www.assessment.com/mappmembers/avoidingburnout.asp?Accnum=06-5210-010.00&gclid=CJzs-8L0opcCFYiT7QodMQI-9w.

Nursing Shortage

There are many reasons why nursing is a great career choice for those passionate about providing care. Other than the rewarding and challenging nature of the profession, it is inevitable that there will always be a need for nurses. The population is growing quickly and the baby boomer generation is aging; in the near future hospitals will be understaffed and unable to accommodate the large number of patients. Nurses, as usual, will be overworked. Although the future for nursing students seems to be filled with long hours and hard work, there will always be employment opportunities and the reassurance of a secure job.

Technology....Improving Communication in Health Care

Technology is helping overcome communication barriers in health care; electronic medical records (EMR’s)help prevent problems such as medication and treatment errors, since health care members are better able to understand what is documented. Information on each patient is submitted electronically, therefore preventing misread orders. Additionally, EMR’s are updated more frequently than paper charting, making the information more accurate and reliable. Handheld devices allow nurses and physicians to interact with one another more frequently, and as a result, everyone on the health care team is kept up-to-date with each patient. Nurses are also able to touch base with one another throughout their shifts, allowing everyone within the health care team to have continuous communication.

Picture taken from http://www.gbscorp.com/images/illustrations/gbs_main_med_union.jpg

Hello Everyone!!

Hello to all my fellow nursing students, instructors and readers of this blog. My name is Disa and I previously attended a three year journalism program at Centennial College. I love writing, however I did not enjoy the aggressiveness of the business and interviewing people did not appeal to me. My interest in nursing was sparked this summer and I worked very hard to meet the requirements of the UOIT nursing program, so I am proud and relieved that I am here with all of you. This is my first blog and I am looking forward to creating it and sharing my thoughts with you. Blogging is a great way to express and share opinions with all of your readers.