Avoiding Burnout as a New Nurse
If you're just out of nursing school and starting a career in the profession, it's not unusual to experience a bit of shock given the new demands. There's an adjustment period that all new employees must endure in a new field of work. But jobs in the medical field can be stressful because of a myriad of challenges that workers in other fields don't have to face.
As a nurse, you probably struggle to neutralize your emotions in the workplace. You treat patients daily who have to fight debilitating and life threatening illnesses and injuries. It's difficult for you not to feel a sense of remorse when you see patients suffering, especially the ones with whom you've formed a bond during the extended periods of time they've stayed in the hospital. Even worse is watching families suffer as they lose a loved one. Nurses must maintain their focus at all times despite being only human. Additional anxiety arises when you deal with patients with contagious diseases. Sometimes the standard safety precautions don't seem like enough. Patients who are unclean and unpleasant to deal with can make easy tasks difficult. Then, of course, there are the pitfalls of a typical place of employment – these are the things employees in other fields do have to face. Nurses, doctors, surgeons and other employees of the hospital are in a constant struggle to deal with the demands of their jobs, and sometimes they take it out on each other. In many cases, you're asked to do jobs they know little about. With one mistake, you can face termination and a lawsuit.
As you gain experience, it becomes increasingly important for to adopt habits that will keep you in the game. It may sound cliché, but patience is a virtue. You'll have to become accustomed to the unpleasantness of a hospital. Perhaps the head nurse expects too much of you, or perhaps a coworker isn't pulling his or her weight – these are things every nurse experiences. Maintain a positive attitude and simply perform your job to the best of your abilities. Maximize the time and resources you're given, but don't spread yourself too thin. If you lose your energy and focus, you'll do your job poorly. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Sure, nursing calls for selflessness, but if you lose sight of number one, you'll risk burning out before your career takes flight.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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