Heart
and Soul
Author LeAnn Thieman advises nurses to take the time to nurture
themselves and their peers, in order to prevent job burnout and
stave off an impending nurse shortage.
Back
in 1968, back when LeAnn Thieman graduated from nursing school, a
typical workload for nurses working in a post-operative surgical
unit involved monitoring perhaps only four patients at one time.
Today, the former nurse and author of the book Chicken Soup for the
Nurse's Soul marvels at how demands placed on her profession have
dramatically increased over the years. She shows little surprise
that in the current health care climate, some nurses--once inspired
by their career choices--are now beginning to buckle under the
intense pressure.
"More than ever before, today's nurses are feeling the effects
of increased patient loads and ever-changing industry
regulations," says Thieman. "We are seeing a 'perfect
storm' that is leading to over-stressed and over-worked nurses
across the country. Furthermore, it's not likely to get better: with
many nurses nearing retirement, and a decline in the number of
nursing students entering the field, it's likely that within five
years there will be a shortage of nurses reaching up to half a
million."
So, how can dedicated nurses overcome the stressful working
conditions, without changing careers? Thieman is convinced that by
treating themselves and their colleagues as well as they treat their
patients, nurses have the ability to navigate the turbulent seas.
"Everyone needs a sense of balance in their lives. Not having
enough time to get eight hours sleep, or take lunch breaks, or even
use the restroom isn't something to brag about. It takes its toll on
both your body and your spirit," she says. "Nurses need to
help each other achieve that balance, by working together as a team.
By supporting one another, and by mentoring those who are new to the
profession, nurses can limit the impact that stress may be having on
their well-being, and their ability to administer effective
care."
Thieman also believes keeping patient safety as the common,
long-term goal will help foster stronger peer relationships and a
sense of collaboration between nurses and care teams.
"When the patient is at the the center of care teams' minds,
concern about the clinical ladder becomes obsolete," she says.
"And with so much to do, technology gives clinicians vital
tools for keeping pace, so they can thrive while still delivering
efficient, quality care. But whether we are at the computer-side or
at the bedside, nurses have the power make an extraordinary
difference--both in our patients' lives, and in our own working
lives as well."