Finding The Joy In Your Nursing Practice
Like me, many of you went into nursing because it’s something in our DNA. We were born to serve others and provide care to those in need. Those of us who are a bit
older can remember how excited we were to get our “white cap and pin” and ready to hit the floor and do the job of helping all those patients in need.
However, with the stress of nursing today, it’s easy to lose sight on “why” we became a nurse in the first place. Nevertheless, and definitely, it is possible to rediscover your joy in nursing by remembering the feeling and excitement that brought you into the practice.
1. RECONNECT WITH YOUR “WHY.” Write down why was it so important for you to go into nursing? Was it your desire to help others? Did you want to make a difference in the lives of others? What inspired you to provide the best care for your patients?
Sometimes when you read it, when you reflect on your original motivation, it helps to reignite and guide you back to your passion, to what truly matters.
2. CELEBRATE SMALL WINS. Sometimes, we focus on one bad thing that happened during the day rather than on all of the great wins made. Think of the little things like when a patient smiles at you, or you give a medicine which helps ease a patient’s symptoms. These wins are worth celebrating.
Focus on the small victories that happen every day to remind you of the powerful impact and meaningful work that you are doing.
3. PRACTIVE GRATITUDE. Gratitude is the most powerful practice a nurse can have. I suggest keeping a gratitude journal and writing down things that you’re thankful for each day in your nursing practice. This helps you focus on what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong.
4. NURTURE CONNECTIONS WITH PATIENTS. One of the most fulfilling aspects of our job is the connection we make with our patients, whether it’s a brief conversation or a small act of kindness, these moments provide a sense of your purpose and fulfillment that reminds you of the heart of nursing.
5. PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE. It’s difficult to give from an empty cup! Often nurses are exhausted physically and emotionally and are working overtime just to make ends meet.
Take care of yourself first. Exercise, meditate and spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies outside of nursing so you can feel balanced and joyful in your practice.
6. FIND THE MEANING IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. Sometimes it feels that our tasks are just so routine, like taking vital signs, performing assessments, and administering medications.
When you shift your mindset to see how important these activities are to the patients in their healing process, it will help. It helps you derive meaning knowing that these actions are improving your patients’ health and well-being and will remind you of what you’re doing is so important.
7. SEEK GROWTH AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and recognize that pursuing continuing educational education or whatever you can to learn, and grow is so crucially important. Perhaps become a charge nurse or mentor new nurses. Challenge yourself to grow and learn what makes your job feel exciting and increases your sense of accomplishment and purpose.
8. BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK. You need to change your mental zip code! If you are hanging around with people with negative attitudes, “find a more positive tribe to help you thrive.”
9. ENGAGE IN MINDFULNESS. When you stay present in the moment, this reduces stress, avoids burnout, and you can certainly appreciate the meaningful aspects of nursing practice. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation help tremendously … just take a minute during your shift to pause and refocus.
Nursing is a profession of both heart and skill, and while it can be demanding, it also offers incredible rewards. By reconnecting with your purpose, celebrating the small wins, and taking care of yourself, you can rediscover the joy that first inspired you to become a nurse.
Remember, your impact is profound, and the joy of nursing is waiting for you to embrace it again. It is truly possible. It is a choice.
