Dos And Donts For Nurses Who Aspire To Succeed

Published on: 04 August 2021 Last Updated on: 10 January 2025

Nursing is a gratifying profession. It is full of opportunities to serve the patients and make a difference for them. However, it is a vastly complex career that can be challenging to manage and full of stress. A nurse has so many things on their to-do list and so many things to avoid.

The transition from a nursing school to a full-time job can be challenging and overwhelming for some individuals. Hence nurses require excellent critical thinking and coping skills to work under pressure.

Individuals who choose nursing as their profession are generally kind at heart and responsible by nature. But once you are on the job, you’ll soon learn the importance of being organized. There won’t be any time for you to run back and forth and hunt for supplies or a pen.

Under such a situation, it is easy to get distracted or vexed and forget about your responsibility of holistic care. Hence, being a nurse is not a piece of cake. But don’t worry; to keep your head at work, we have you covered. Whether you’re a rookie or a grizzled nurse, we have compiled a list of some critical dos and don’ts for a nurse who aspires to succeed. So read on and learn with us:

What a nurse should do:

1. Consider continuous education:

The best practice for any professional is to seek opportunities throughout their career. As you advance in your role as a nurse, you will discover different aspects of nursing that inspire you. So why not use this curiosity to your advantage and pursue higher education, seminars, certifications, etc.?

However, several prestigious universities now offer online programs to fit your busy schedule. Did you know that online rn to MSN pmhnp programs, MSN-FNP programs, MSc, and Ph.D. programs are available? Hence, you can quickly pursue these post-graduation degrees to be competitive in the job market.

2. Listen to the patients:

Listening to someone is an actual art. A good nurse listens to what the patient says, extracts the diagnosis, and defines a definite treatment. They have the skill to read between the lines and make a difference.

A nurse’s job is to make appropriate judgments about what they see and hear. So try to follow the holistic approach of care and create a professional assessment of what the patient is trying to explain as it impacts the treatment.

3. Clarify anything they are unsure of:

Poor communication has always led to medical errors and low morale. This, in turn, leads to high stress and lower job satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to ask questions and clarify your doubts regarding any medication or procedure.

Asking questions helps you gain confidence in what you are doing. It refreshes your memory. But ensure you are clear about the instructions. If the answer doesn’t seem right, ask about it again but in a different way.

4. Support the team members:

A successful patient’s treatment requires collaboration between the health care professionals and the practitioners. With this, try to be supportive of your fellow nurses.

Be willing to work on undesirable shifts and gain respect. So when you foster a professional relationship with your colleagues, it helps you streamline your workflow, especially during busy days.

What a nurse should avoid:

1. Don’t say no to a patient:

It is similar to anybody refusing a customer, saying that is not part of my job. So when it comes to a patient, you are the care provider and a representative of the healthcare team.

A person in pain is not in the state of hearing; you say that you can’t help them because your shift is over or another nurse’s duty. Be empathetic and listen to them. Be polite and tell them that you are not assigned to care today; however, you will try to find the information or find someone who will help them out.

2. Don’t feel ashamed in asking for help:

As a new nurse, everyone tries to do as much as possible on their own. If you begin to drown, don’t nurture hope that anyone will see and jump in to save you. Remember, asking for help is not shameful. Everyone has been through this. But keep in mind that there is a right way to ask for help.

Try to be kind and express gratitude when you ask. Communicate in a way that doesn’t make the other nurse think you are trying to pass on your job.

3. Don’t disparage other professionals or organizations:

Speaking ill of others is never appreciated, whether in a social setup or a professional organization. In reality, the person who does this is likely to be looked at more negatively. So if you have any conflict with anyone, it is better to deal with the matter privately.

4. Don’t neglect yourself:

When the career begins, we all are super excited and enthusiastic. And it is easy to live and breathe nursing. Even when you are not at work, it is part of human nature that you are worried about being more organized.

However, strive for a balance and take out some time for yourself. Add some fun and exercise to your daily routine. Practicing self-care is essential to relieve workplace burnout.

A take-home message:

Starting a new profession is always exciting. But without the right nursing degree and license in your hand, you are not ready for the complicated world of the health care system. A nursing school does not teach you everything, while day-to-day experiences and tough times will teach you better than anyone else.

However, by following the stated dos and don’ts, you can look back on how far you have come every month. It won’t be long when you are one of those experienced and successful nurses who will help the fresh graduates, remembering how it was for you at that time.

Read Also:

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The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love

If you’re still in the phase of life where you’re figuring out the best job for you, there’s probably a lot on your mind. It takes a lot of “soul searching” and research to decide on a career that you’ll love. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, loving your career can be important. So here are some tips on how to choose a career. Explore Your Interests As you’re thinking about what to do for a career, think about the kinds of things that pique your interest. For example, you might be really into dentistry and want to find out what a career would be like. Explore what kind of jobs are available in that field. Whether you decide to become a dentist or study a dental assistant program. Knowing that you’re interested in a specific industry can help you narrow down your options. Ponder On Your Passions When it comes to your passions, there could be clues in there. You could find that there are career choices that align with your passions and that could actually be ideal for your future. Perhaps you love a good debate, and you’re always found debating some topic or another. In this type of scenario, you could always consider getting into law or something similar. The kind that puts you in touch with the kind of experiences that you already enjoy having. It doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you do to make money. Think About Your Skills Your passions and interests are clues to the type of career that could interest you. If you’re looking to narrow it down even more, you may want to think about your talents. If you know you have a knack for words, something that aligns with that skill could be an ideal fit. Maybe you’re a musical person? Getting into a career where your skills allow you to be naturally good. It is also something that makes your future career a lot easier. It helps to use your talent in your work because even if you have to study for a degree to succeed at it. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time at it than someone who may not have the natural skills that you do. Talk To Experienced Mentors As you try to decide what work would be best for you, talk to experienced mentors. They can help you know which way to go by providing a road map of what has worked best for them. This could be someone you know who has had a long career in the field you like. Or it could be a mentor from your school’s mentorship program. Either way, speaking to a person who has experience in a career you’re considering can be beneficial to you and your decision-making. Try Interning Before understanding how to choose a career, you can always dip your toes into different career options. Internships are one of them! While most people will do an internship as they are close to graduating from school, you could always try for an internship just to try out certain jobs. As long as you already have some natural skill or know-how in it. You may not receive a lot of pay, but at least you gain the insight to know whether or not it's the job that you want in your future. It doesn’t hurt to explore options before deciding on the ultimate career path for you. It’s a big decision, don’t be afraid of not taking it lightly. From internships to mentors, exploring your passions, skills, and interests, and making a decision on your career. However, it can be simplified by pondering the concepts mentioned above. Life is long, and so is a career, so take your time making a decision like this one. How Professional Career Counseling Can Help Deciding what you want to do with your life can be tough, even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there are experts who are ready to help you make sense of it all. If you’re wondering how to figure out what career is right for you, a career counselor can steer you in the right direction. Here’s why. Understanding Your Aptitude Career counselors know how to help people tap into their own wants and needs when it comes to understanding what kind of work will spark joy. They’ll ask questions designed to uncover the activities that energize and excite you most in life. Then, show you how those things connect with potential careers that could be incredibly fulfilling. It Will Be Personal To Your Needs Another good thing about career counseling is that it’s individualized. Career counselors won’t give you a general answer to a generalized problem. They’ll focus on your specific character, strengths and weaknesses, desires, and problems. From there, they can assist you in figuring out what careers would work best for someone with your qualities and abilities. Regardless of whether you need to pick a vocation interestingly or are pondering about an alternate one. This is when customized guidance can represent the critical moment in your prosperity. Direct Assistance (Whenever You Are Lost) Career advisors are additionally incredible for offering direct assistance. They also help you improve your resume, act in interviews, and even fruitful organizing aptitudes, all of which can be significant when hoping to get a new position or to find employment elsewhere. Plus, if you’re not even sure what kind of qualifications you need, or education, for that matter, career counseling can help with that, too. They will basically map out exactly what you need to do, from checking out different degree options to see what is best for you at the time to figuring out where the market is headed. It’s all in their master plan for you! Ultimately, career counseling exists because people need help making educated decisions about their careers. If this looks like it’s impossible to navigate your way without some sort of guidance (let’s face it, some of us really don’t have a clue), then a career counselor could be your key. Why try to figure it out on your own and get overwhelmed when there are professionals who can make that twisted path straight? Read Also: Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know

Top 9 Signs You Will Get The Job After Interview

You might wonder about signs you will receive a job offer that you applied for recently. For instance, you can be curious about your performance and whether the employer will offer you a job. Although knowing whether you have cracked the job is difficult, you can always look for signs you will get the job after an interview. In this article, you will learn about major signs that you have aced your recent job interview. This article will discuss the top nine signs that show that you will get the job after you complete your interview. All you need to do is understand certain events and conversations. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. 9 Signs You Will Get the Job After Interview If you are planning to go for an interview, there are significant aspects that you need to learn to ace them. The following are the major signs that you will get the job after interview: 1. Positive Body Language from the Interviewer You will see the interviewer give you nonverbal cues to show how the interview is going. For instance, you will find the interviewer showing positive signs. Moreover, you can see them smile and nod in agreement with you. Apart from that, you will also find them making eye contact more often. Basically, you will find them engaged in the conversation. Also, they will be receptive to your answers and the information you provide. In addition, the interviewer will discuss your transition steps. Actually, you can recognize things are going well when they start talking about your transition to your role. Apart from that, a positive sign is that the manager is discussing onboarding and training with you. 2. “When” Comes More Often Than “If” The interviewer’s language will change once they decide to hire you. For instance, if the interviewer believes you are the right person for the job, you will see a change in your choice of words. For example, you will find them using more “when” and “will” in place of “if.” This shows they think about you and want you to take the role. Some examples include “When you start…” “After you do…” “This is who you will…” etc. These are signs you will get the job after an interview. Apart from that, the interviewer also asks you when you will give notice to your current employer. Also, they might ask how about the notice you will give them. Here, you can consider it a good sign that you will get the job. 3. A Gradual Change In Conversational Tone: From Formal To Casual Generally, interviewers stick to a list of general questions to get an overview of candidates. Hence, when the conversation changes from your qualifications and becomes casual, it shows they are impressed with your performance. Basically, a casual conversation from the end of the interview shows that they are satisfied with you. Also, they are convinced that you can perform all the essential functions for your role. Moreover, you will see them steering the conversation in a different direction. Actually, such shifts in conversations allow them to know you better. 4. They Show What They Like In The Interview Generally, the interviewer will tell you directly what they seek from your skills and experience. Hence, when you prepare for your interview beforehand, take a list of questions with you to ask about the company and the position that you applied for. For example, you can ask what an ideal candidate looks like for this position. Once you ask such a question at the end of the interview, you can find out whether your qualifications align with the candidate they seek. Additionally, you will feel that the manager is trying to convince you of the role and how the company operates. This shows that the interviewer is interested in your job. Apart from that, they will give comprehensive explanations of your questions. 5. You Get To See Other Team Members One of the major signs of a good performance from your end is that you get to see other team members. Also, you get to talk to your future team members. Apart from that, the hiring manager also makes various introductions to the team. Moreover, you will even meet decision-makers if they think you are a good fit for the role. Additionally, the interviewer might start telling their own stories and attraction to the company. Basically, the interviewer will try to sell the company to you. Furthermore, you will also learn about the company's culture. 6. They Start Discussing Perks An article on Indeed states - If the interviewer starts discussing compensation, benefits and all the perks that an organization has to offer, then it's a good indication they might be making you an offer. By discussing compensation and benefits, they've switched from interviewing you to selling you on the company. Actually, by discussing benefits, they increase the length of the interview beyond the necessary time. This is to assess whether your qualifications align with what they are seeking. Moreover, they will also spend their valuable time letting you know what benefits they offer. This clearly indicates that they have a lot of interest in hiring you. 7. They Ask You About Salaries If the interviewer starts negotiating salary with you, it shows they are serious about you taking the role. Actually, if you are in the early stages of the interview, your interviewer might not negotiate with you. However, when they ask you about what salaries you expect, it is a good thing for you. Apart from that, they also start discussing perks, benefits, and compensation with you. This is a good indication that they are making you an offer. You will see them switching from discussing you to selling you the company. In addition, by discussing benefits, they also increase the interview length beyond necessity. 8. The Hiring Manager Discusses the Follow-Up Process The interviewer will discuss the next stages of the hiring process. This is a positive sign that your interview is a success. After the interview, they will test your skills and abilities. Here, you must report to a senior manager or an executive. Actually, when someone is positive about something, they should do a quick follow-up. Hence, if the hiring team follows up with you quickly and sends you a personal message, it shows these are signs you will get the job after the interview. 9. The Recruiter Starts Prepping You Generally, recruiting teams prep their candidates before an interview. This is a common characteristic of a good recruiter. However, if the recruiter goes out of their way to personally prep you for the interview. They will also share details about the job and who you will meet with. Moreover, they will tell you what is important to the organization. These are signs you will get the job after an interview. Wrapping Up Now, you know the signs you will get job after interview. However, research more about the organization before you prepare for an interview. Apart from that, you must also prepare essential questions to ask the interviewer. This will increase your chances of getting accepted to the interview. Do you have more suggestions about signs of securing a job after an interview? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Additional Readings: 8 Tips for Tech CV Writing to Highlight Skills & Experience 7 Proven Tips To Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Interviewer How To Ask For A Referral? – Essential Tips For Professional Growth

Top 9 Legitimate Reasons To Call Out Of Work

Many employees feel guilty when they want to take a leave (even when sick). This happens more often for work-from-home employees. Generally, there can be certain reasons to call out of work. Once you take time off respectfully, it will be good for your physical and mental health and the organization. In this article, you will learn about legitimate reasons to call out of work. Also, this article will give you tips that you can call out of work. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. Are You Looking For Reasons To Call Out Of Work? There are many reasons why you can call out of work. However, these are not “bulletproof excuses to get out of work.” Understand that these are genuine reasons and not excuses. Your employer will understand and approve your request once you have a genuine reason to call out of work. For instance, employers accept medical conditions, emergencies, and personal matters as valid reasons for such cases. However, you must be aware of your employer’s off-time policies. As long as you are not misusing company policies to your advantage, you can reframe calling out of work as a form of self-care. When you are calling out, use the method that your employer prefers. Also, keep your reason brief. Additionally, you can also suggest solutions for missing work. Meanwhile, you must prepare for a return to work soon. This way, you can minimize work disruption. Moreover, try to show commitment to catch up to your projects. Hence, read the next section to learn how to call out of work for personal reasons and emergencies. Here Are 9 Major Reasons To Call Out Of Work You can offer plenty of reasons if you want to miss work or stay at home. However, you must make sure that you are not taking the wrong advantage of your employer’s policies. Thereby, you can reframe your staying out of work as a form of self-care. Basically, when you take enough time to rest and recover your energy, you will feel more productive and focused. Also, you will be able to use your conceptual skills better. This will be beneficial for both you and your employer. Moreover, calling out of work makes more sense if you are sick. When you are not fully fit, despite doing the work, you are not fully present. This will impact on your productivity and efficiency. Hence, it is a better step to call out of work. The following are the top reasons to call out of work: 1. Loss Of Someone Close When a family member, relative, or someone close passes away, you must call out of work. Apart from processing your grief, you must also deal with financial and logistical arrangements for the funeral. In fact, some employers even offer a bereavement leave policy if you have a death in the family. Hence, consider checking your employee handbook or the HR portal to see how to apply for bereavement leave. Also, you can consult with the HR department or your manager directly about the situation and what next steps you must take. Everyone relates to a personal loss, and your manager must understand that you need time to recover and make a comeback. 2. Sickness And Medical Problems You might suffer from a seasonal allergy, common cold, minor headache, etc. Although you might still be able to work partly, it is essential to call out of work. This is because your illness is keeping you from efficiency and high productivity. Also, if you over-stress yourself, you might get sicker and must be called out of work for more days. Moreover, if you must go to the office in person, contagious diseases like coughing and cold can be one of the reasons for calling out of work. However, in such cases, your employer might ask you to show a doctor’s note if you inform them that you are seriously ill. 3. Sickness Of A Dependent Or Someone Close Although you are not sick, a family member might be ill at home. Here, if you are the only person to take care of them, you have a good reason to call them out of work. In this case, you might also need to take them to a doctor’s clinic, give them medication, or pick up a prescription. When there is a family need, there is no way you can stall it for work responsibilities. Hence, you must take a step to take a leave. For instance, you can use your sick time or leave to ensure your family’s well-being. 4. Family Emergency Family comes first, and you must prioritize your family over your job. Hence, when you face a family emergency, you have strong reasons to call out of work. In such cases, your employer will understand, and this is a good reason to look after your family, Generally, during family emergencies, the stakes are high. Your family needs you in such situations, and your boss will understand that. For example, if someone needs urgent surgery, or if someone is injured, or someone has seriously fallen ill, you must call out of work. 5. Doctor’s Appointment If you need to make a medical appointment, you can notify your employer in advance. In such situations, taking a day off is most suitable. However, in rare cases, you might need to call out or take a sick day off. For example, if you are waiting to meet a busy doctor with limited access, you might need to take the day off. In such cases, if you do not take the chance, you might have to wait months to see your doctor. In these situations, it is reasonable for you to miss work for the appointment. However, make sure to communicate properly with your manager. 6. Childcare As a parent, you cannot afford to take a chance on your child’s health. In such cases, you need ultimate workplace flexibility. This is because you need time to raise children in addition to contributing to your job. Moreover, even if you work from home, it does not mean you can care for your child. In fact, if you work from home, you cannot take care of your child properly, nor can you work with good productivity. It is okay if you need some time to work on childcare arrangements. If you talk and explain the situation to your employer, they will understand and grant you leave. 7. Pet Care Your pet is also a part of your home and your extended family. If your pet is in an emergency situation, you have a good reason to call out of work. For example, if your dog/cat gets into the trash and eats something poisonous, it is important to take your dog to a vet. In other cases, your pet might be sick. Sometimes, you must take your pet to a vet appointment. Basically, when there is a pet at your home, taking care of the animal is your responsibility. Hence, when you are about to call out of work, notify the reasons for your leave. 8. Illness Due To Food Poisoning You might feel sick due to food poisoning. This is a problem that wrecks your body and compels you to stay up all night. It happens after you eat something bad, and it causes sickness in your body. In such a case, you might need extra sleep or time to recover from your sickness. Moreover, if the problem is bigger, you might even need medications. Hence, there are enough reasons to call out of work. In these situations, you can inform your manager of your sickness. They will surely understand your problem and allow you to take leave. 9. Personal Day Mental health is something that many people neglect. Sometimes, you must take a break when you have too much. On the other hand, you might be facing physical strain. In such situations, taking a day off is good for your health. In fact, you will feel much better the next day. However, you must not use your day to search for another job. This is straight-out dishonest, and you will put your coworkers in a difficult position. For instance, your coworkers must deal with extra work if you leave at the last minute without a good reason. To attend interviews, you can use your traditional paid time off. Moreover, you must plan in such situations. Call Out Of Work Now The above reasons for calling out of work are good enough to maintain a good image in your organization and get your time off simultaneously. Also, you must inform your manager when you are calling out of work. Do you have more suggestions or reasons to offer on how to call out of work? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Should You Be Friends With Your Co-Workers? What To Consider When Searching For A New Job 5 Major Tips to Increase Employee Engagement in a Call Centre Industry

Dos And Donts For Nurses Who Aspire To Succeed