Nursing Student, Lauren Naylor Explains How to Excel in the Workplace Once You Graduate
Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career for those interested in entering the medical field. A successful career in nursing requires a high level of adaptability, extensive professional training, and a unique skill set. Nurses are detail oriented and must possess excellent communication skills to provide top quality medical care. Dedicated nursing student, Lauren Naylor from Grapevine, Texas claims that apart from obtaining a strong educational background, most of her knowledge is the result of the practical learning experiences she has gained through the years. She takes the time to outline essential characteristics nurses must obtain to succeed in their career.
Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is vital to ensuring top quality care and understanding the needs of every individual. Nurses should be highly engaged and work diligently to establish a collaborative relationship with a patient. Lauren Naylor claims that direct eye contact and compassion creates a sense of trust and allows individuals to feel confident in your abilities to treat them. A nurse is a patient’s advocate between family members and the hospital staff, so it is imperative that they communicate and collaborate effectively.
Organization
Being able to properly organize oneself is critical to a long-term career as a nurse, especially for new graduates who are often dealing with a higher patient volume then they had maintained during clinical rotations. According to Lauren Naylor, remaining calm, collected, and organized is key to getting through your first year. Hopefully, you have learned some great organization techniques during your schooling. If not, it is never too late to start.
Determination
Registered nurses provide both physical and emotional support for individuals who are sick and/ or injured. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses may work in hospitals, health clinics, physician offices, and nursing facilities. Urgent care nurses are often required to work evenings, weekends, or holiday shifts meaning long work hours and additional sacrifices. Therefore, it is crucial to manage your expectations — use your first year to learn as much as you can, create strong relationships, and find the best specialization to meet your career goals.
Never Stop Learning
Challenges — The most important thing to know is that you will experience challenges every day that do not directly align with what you learned and experienced in school. It is important to keep an open mind, be patient, fall back on your training, and most importantly believe in yourself. You are not expected to know everything in your first year, never be afraid to ask for help.
Likewise, many new nurses will be paired with an experienced colleague. Make the most of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. Ask questions and keep in touch with your mentor once you move on.
Knowing You Are Helping Others
Last but not least, be thankful — A the end of a long day, be thankful you have chosen a rewarding career and have the opportunity to help so many people. Lauren Naylor believes a bit of gratitude can go a long way, and it will help you get perspective when the going gets rough.
For more information on Lauren Naylor: inspirery.com/lauren-naylor
