We see nurses working day in and day out to save lives and ensure things are running smoothly in a medical institution. Along with doctors, nurses are essential individuals in the health industry and play a crucial role in providing quality care for patients.
However, we must realize that they have one of the toughest jobs ever. Not only do they go through extreme stress levels, but they also go home and take care of their families.
There is a hierarchy in the nursing community based on mutual respect and shared experiences, where nurses need the support of other nurses.
Most graduate and experienced nurses need a mentor to manage and motivate them during emergencies. In addition, this mentor should also be someone nurses can go to for advice, support, or maybe just to vent sometimes.
In short, nurses look for leadership qualities to fulfill their purpose and perform to the best of their abilities. If you’re looking to climb the ladder to success and lead fellow nurses, read on for tips to develop leadership skills.
Educate yourself
One of the essential steps in climbing the ladder to success is earning the necessary credentials. Higher education will help you on the job and add quantitative certification to your resume for better opportunities in the future.
Employers and management always seek someone with experience and relevant education in the field before offering them a job or promotion.
One of the main factors to consider in nursing leadership is the knowledge and education needed to support your career prospects. After COVID-19, educational institutions made studying for advanced degrees easier by offering online courses, making things easier for working nurses worldwide.
Now’s the time to get registered for a higher degree in nursing. The benefit of earning a higher degree in nursing means aiding and guiding graduate nurses.
You can be their mentor and lead them during emergencies. When you inspire other nurses with your knowledge and experience, they too will follow in your footsteps.
Dress well and smile through the stress
It’s sad to think about it, but there will be times where you need to plod along despite how stressed you are. You knew what you were signing up for the moment you stepped foot in a nursing school. Now that you’re in the real world, it’s time to show everyone why you deserve to be here.
One of the best ways to stand out and appear as if you have things in control is to dress well, look neat, and even fake a smile if you have to. Clean and iron your scrubs every day, make your hair and wash your face every few hours.
Smile in front of the patients, the nurses, and when the management is doing their rounds.
The fake it till you make it motto is for real here. Once you start behaving this way, it will become second nature to you, and you won’t have to worry about your appearance again.
Moreover, it’s always a positive sight for other nurses to see you going about your day as if nothing happened. Lead by example and show everyone what being a professional really means.
Practice holistic empathy
Nurses are the caregivers of the medical sector, and without their empathy, things wouldn’t be as streamlined as they are.
Since empathy has to come from the heart, you can’t fake it. Even if you think you can’t care for everyone, you can at least try.
After all, that’s your job. Caring for patients fighting for their lives, for family members losing their loved ones, or lending a shoulder to a co-worker who’s had a tough day is part of being empathetic.
Showing empathy isn’t that hard because it’s part of who we are and what makes us human. So don’t dial back or hold out on your emotions. Wear them on your sleeve and be proud of them.
Empathy and leadership qualities are synonymous in the working world. Lend a helping hand to someone and watch how you launch yourself into bigger and better things in the years to come.
Help fresh graduates
One of the best ways to climb the leadership ladder is by taking charge when you see new and confused graduates. The real world is considerably harder than what we learned in school, so the shock of stepping foot in a real hospital and making life and death decisions can be stressful for some people.
Take the newbies under your wing and show them the ropes of working in the real world. It is understandable things are already pretty stressful for you, but if you find the time to help graduates and lead them, it would be beneficial for them.
That’s the thing about being a leader. Managing to help others despite having a ton of work on your plate as it is.
At the same time, it’s important to support others around us who are confused, stressed, and unsure about things. These graduates are often very scared about the environment they’re entering, so lending a helping hand won’t hurt you in any way.
If anything, they might return the favor down the line when they find their place. New hires rarely forget who helped them feel comfortable when they needed it the most.
You never know who might help you in ways you never imagined.
Conclusion
There we have it, some tips that’ll help you be more empathetic to new nurses. Not just that, these tips will shed light on ways you can climb higher in your career by being more resilient, resourceful, and inspiring.
Climbing the hierarchy involves several factors, some quite challenging, but you’ll achieve your true potential if you’re good at your job.
From furthering your education to helping new recruits, be a leader for others by setting good examples. With that said, we need to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts and the sacrifices of nurses. We send our regards and prayers for your safety.
