How Nurses View Their Work Today: 10 Key Factors Nurse Managers Need to Know

Today’s Blog is a guest blog from Nelson Marquez, RN. Nelson Marquez is a dedicated nurse with eight years of experience in the field. He began his career in psychiatric nursing, developing a deep understanding of care in mental health. Drawn to the intensity of the operating room, Nelson transitioned to become an O.R. nurse, playing a vital role in surgical procedures. He currently works at a trauma hospital and a VA hospital in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District. His blog, nelsonrmarquez.com shares his firsthand knowledge and experience from eight years working as a nurse. Whether he’s sharing stories from the O.R. or offering advice to aspiring nurses, his articles are sure to resonate with his readers.

What Nelson Wants to Share with Nurse Leaders

After nearly a decade in the OR, I gotta to say that – nurses are the glue that holds healthcare together. We work diligently caring for patients, often under intense pressure. The job has changed so much since I started. And I don’t just mean new tools or technology. Healthcare moves fast, and nurses have to adapt constantly. Nurse managers play a huge part in helping us adjust to the changing landscape. I want to share my perspective on what matters most to me and my colleagues these days.

Here are the 10 Key Factors Nurse Managers Need  to Know:

The Changing Landscape of Nursing

1. Advanced Specializations:

Nursing is no longer a one-size-fits-all profession. Today, nurses can specialize in various fields such as critical care, pediatrics, neonatology, or gerontology. This specialization has made nurses more focused on specific patient populations or conditions, allowing them to develop expertise and provide highly specialized care.

2. Increased Autonomy:

Nurses now have more autonomy in their roles. We are actively involved in decision-making processes and delegation of care. Empowering nurses to take ownership of their work leads to a more motivated and engaged workforce.

3. Technological Advancements:

The integration of technology in healthcare has transformed the way nurses provide care. Electronic health records, telemedicine, and digital monitoring tools have become commonplace. New-grad nurses are accustomed to constantly learning new technologies. However, older nurses must adapt to these changes and require additional training to operate these new technologies efficiently.

4. Nursing Shortages:

Many healthcare facilities face nursing shortages, which can result in higher workloads and added stress for nurses. Managers must address these challenges by providing adequate staffing and support to ensure nurses can deliver quality care without feeling overburdened.

5. Work-Life Balance:

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for modern nurses. Many nurses appreciate flexible scheduling options, which allow us to better manage our personal lives and prevent burnout. Nurse managers should consider offering flexible schedules and support for maintaining this balance.

6. Professional Growth:

We value continuing education, training, and career advancement opportunities. Education can also be to train staff in healthcare and retirement benefits so that healthcare workers learn how to save and manage debt like school loans. Managers should invest in the development of the nursing staff, offering resources and support to help us enhance our skills and knowledge.

7. Mental Health Support:

Given the emotional toll of nursing, managers should provide resources for mental health support. Offering counseling services or access to employee assistance programs can help nurses cope with the stress and challenges of our work.

8. Supportive Leadership:

Effective leadership is essential. Managers should be approachable, open to feedback, and willing to listen to their nursing staff.  Encouraging a culture of trust and open communication is crucial to nurse satisfaction.

9. Staff Ratio:

Nurse-to-patient ratios significantly impact the quality of care and the well-being of nursing staff. Adequate staffing levels reduce burnout and stress. Managers should maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and provide additional support during peak times.

10. Recognition and Appreciation:

Recognizing and appreciating the hard work of nursing staff can go a long way. As nurses understand the importance of our work, we find a  more profound sense of fulfillment and inspiration in our daily tasks. Managers should acknowledge the dedication and commitment of their nurses through regular recognition programs, awards, or simple expressions of gratitude.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the inside scoop on what matters most to nurses today. After nearly a decade in the trenches myself, I hope to give you some helpful insights. Fundamentally, we nurses aim to provide thoughtful, compassionate care each day. But we can’t do it alone. We need engaged, supportive managers who advocate for the resources and environment that allow us to thrive. Continue asking us about our challenges, but also our aspirations.  Lead by example when it comes to empathy and wellness. Respect our skills while helping us grow. Show flexibility and trust by allowing a healthy work-life balance. Together, nurses and managers can shape the future of patient care.

© emergingrnleader.com 2023

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Other Programs/Books Your Leaders May Find Valuable

From Traditional Nurse Leader to Nurse Leader Coach – Click Here for the Flyer

For new leaders and emerging leaders, consider doing The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership Program – Click Here for the Nuts and Bolts Flyer Final

New Leader Development Option in 2023 – Team Coaching Designed to the Unique Needs of Your Organization  Leader Coaching Brochure

Read the Nurse Leader Coach – Available at Amazon and Other Book Sellers

Recommended Book by the Association of Critical Care Nurses – The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership: Your Toolkit for Success