Hot Topics in Nursing: It’s OK to not be OK – University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Dr. Spencer, what is the goal of the mental health First Aid courses for CU Nursing students?

We need to change the narrative and the culture about mental health. There shouldn’t be any apologies anymore for saying “I need to take a break. ” That’s a different shift with regard to healthcare personnel because we always feel like we need to become that rock for people. When you find yourself within the position of wanting to deliver care that will be the best possible care, but you’re unable to do that, whether it’s because you don’t have the right personal protection equipment or you’re feeling

burned out, that’s where moral distress kicks in. We know what we should end up being doing, yet we’re not able in order to do it. That moral distress is one thing that causes people to leave nursing. We’re trying to catch that will early so that all of us graduate college students who have those tools in their toolkit to be able to recognize issues in themselves and others plus seek resources to help deal with them.

Many hospitals have new graduate transition to practice programs to help support students when it comes to things like seeing their first death or having their first encounter with challenging, complex patients. These transition to rehearse programs teach them how to handle these situations so brand new graduate nurses feel supported and confident, which helps them in order to stay in the particular nursing profession and prevent burnout.

How can learners recognize they or coworkers need assist?

We are teaching students to recognize whenever something feels off. Maybe they’re not really feeling the same connection they normally have with their own patients, that they’re not 100% present. In a clinical environment that will can take an emotional toll, You have to listen to the voice inside you that says “this is usually different. ” You require to pay attention to disconnection. That’s when a person need in order to step back and think, “That’s not really okay regarding me, and it’s not okay for my patient. ” It’s being able to know when you are feeling burned out, having the ability to recognize those behaviors of burnout, and being able to stop and take a breath, pause, and refill your tank so you can come back to nursing plus stay inside nursing.

For your co-staffs, it’s the ability to say, “Hey, I’m seeing some associated with these things. I’m worried about you. How can we get you connected to the sources that a person need? ” So instead of saying, “What’s wrong with you? ” Saying, “Hey, I’ve noticed these things. Let’s talk and see if you can figure out what you need to get you back into the particular zone exactly where you’re healthy. ”

All of us just need to speak about it. This should not be something we are ashamed of or even apologize intended for. It’s out there more than we know. We all have in order to start talking about how difficult it is. That doesn’t mean you’re weak or you’re not going to be the great nurse. You just need support around you to talk about it. If we can do that, boy, we can keep a lot of people in nursing.

What steps can these people take to get self-care?

Taking time out, taking a walk, getting support who are around you, and being able to feel okay to say “I’m not okay” inside a safe environment. Probably that’s your unit manager or a good friend. You want to possess someone in order to tell, “I’m not sensation myself. ” I think that’s a really important step.

Also, students need to self-reflect. It ought to be part of your daily routine. Ask what went well regarding that shift? What didn’t go so great about that shift? What could I have got done better? What was out of the control that will I really couldn’t do anything about? I believe that’s the 1st step in all of this; be self-reflective all the time, every day, in every way to be the best practitioner that you may be.

Furthermore, figure out your own strengths and weaknesses. Nursing is a great occupation, but maybe the chaos associated with urgent treatment isn’t pertaining to you. You can work as a nurse researcher, an instructor, work with children, seniors, veterans, and in multiple other areas. Learn where you will perform your ideal, and love what you do.

What advice do you give students about getting a job in nursing?

My advice is to find a good organization that you feel is the best to assistance you in the first two years of your career.

You want a culture where somebody has your back when it hasn’t been a great day. If you’ve made a mistake or even an error, it is knowing that the particular organization will support a person. Seek an organization that will values nurses through nurse-driven committees and also creates the culture where nurses are valued meant for their expertise and insight.

I think nurses also need in order to have a voice in policy and leadership, especially in staffing ratios. Also, having a voice in legislation around points like that is really essential. Because we all do have a voice. We’re the biggest provider of healthcare. We need to use that tone of voice.

About Our Expert

Tammy Spencer, DNP, RN, CNE, ACNS-BC, CCNS

Dr. Spencer is definitely the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Program, Specialty Lead Academic Advisor, Baccalaureate Nursing Program at the University associated with Colorado College of Medical.

Dr. Bradzino has already been a faculty member since completing her master’s degree at the University of Colorado University of Nursing in 1989. She’s the seasoned classroom instructor with a focus on adult Medical-Surgical nursing along with a special emphasis upon concepts related to caring for the critically ill adult patient.

She serves as the Lead Academic Consultant for the particular baccalaureate medical program and is currently serving as the faculty liaison for the University associated with Colorado Student Nurses Association. She furthermore serves on the College of Co Alumni Board and practices as a staff health professional in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at University Hospital.