Some of the challenges in Nursing and How to overcome them

Nurses are the beating heart of the healthcare system. As nurses, they face many challenges which have evolved through time. They need to be aware of these consistent challenges & their effects. This will help them in coping with those challenges and self-care.

Here we are discussing some of the major challenges frequently faced by nurses and few tips to overcome them.

Challenges in Nursing: Long Working Hours/Busy Shifts

Long working hours and busy shifts aren’t new problems. This is one of many consistent challenges that nurses are facing. Nurses are frequently expected to complete 12-hour shifts with additional extra hours too because of many reasons like insufficient staffing, staff turnover, etc. Because of this nurses may feel exhausted at work.

Many nurses also struggle to cope up with their busy shifts. Completing all their tasks during these shifts becomes impossible. They hardly get time to use the restroom or have food.

Solutions

• When you’re exhausted at work, you may not work your best. It’s important to take well-deserved breaks.
• Ensure you’re well-rested before starting your workweek by getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep per day.
• Take a well-balanced diet.
• If your shifts become too demanding for you to handle on your own, feel free to ask for assistance from your team.
• Time management is very important in nursing – ensure that you are utilizing the time you have in the right way.

Challenges in Nursing: Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can be a verbal attack or something a little more serious like a physical assault. It can be caused by medical staff or colleagues. Harassment can also be caused by patients or their family members.

Solutions

• If you experience any sort of violence from your patient or colleague; don’t hesitate to speak up.
• If you will allow harassment to proceed, it will become worse. By facing it you’ll have a better chance of controlling it.
• If you see your colleagues being the casualty of violence; don’t hesitate to take a stand for them. When other colleagues observe your example, they will also do the same.
• Violence could be stalking or inappropriate communication via social media or in person. When someone is acting violently, you must choose to stand up and demand respectful behaviour.

Challenges in Nursing: Workplace Hazards

Working as a nurse is physically strenuous as well, along with being mentally exhausting. Throughout each and every day, nurses are being exposed to sick patients. It is so significant to deal with yourself and use precautionary measures. Below we are giving some solutions for staying healthy during your shifts.

Solutions

• Wear PPE in the time of need
• Need to practice good hygiene
• Maintain distance from contagious patients
• Take Probiotics

Challenges in Nursing: Unexpected work shifts/cancellations

Unexpected work shifts and last-minute cancellations can affect your routine and plans which can make you disappointed.

Solutions

• Build good relationships with your colleagues and management from the very beginning.
• Feel free to request compensation for the extra working hours
• You can make your backup plans for any canceled shifts and flexibility in your plans on the off chance that you need to work.

Consistently nurses are finding themselves dealing with new challenges. It makes them so astounding at their jobs to overcome these challenges & the way they care for their patients.