Ways to Make Your Nursing Education a Reality
Dec 9, 2014 | 8:00 am
Nursing education is complex and requires so much learning and concentration from new students. There are some things that, no matter how much education you receive in nursing school, you will not anticipate in the real world. Knowing medical terminology is essential. Sometimes making mistakes is not an option. There will be long hours, physical exhaustion, and plenty of negative criticism from superiors. In contrast, the rewards of being able to make a difference and hearing a kind word during an evaluation, is an amazing feeling.
With all the biology, chemistry, ethics, hours of lectures, videos, labs, class time and practicums you have in store, sometimes you wonder what else could be missing. Then, you finally start your new job and wonder what you got yourself into!
Things That Nursing School Can’t Teach You
According to Scrubs Magazine, after education and examinations are completed, there are some things that school just cannot prepare you for. One of the biggest questions is: How will nursing change you? Nursing becomes part of you and who you are very quickly.
One aspect is in giving excellent and concise reports. Communication is critical and accuracy is also important. Be precise and get to the point without all the extras and drama. Everyone is different in how they want things done. Ask what they expect and how they want you to present the information. Is there a particular way they want things done? Follow their orders and expectations.
Nursing Education Tips
Don’t be worried about the saying that “experienced nurses eat their young.” They literally do not have time to be catty, in most cases. Charting is what needs to be done. Time management is crucial. When you do your job right, you will find little opposition from others in your facility.
Multitasking and being able to prioritize can be a matter of life or death. Being able to multitask is vital and for those who are unable to do so; they will usually be left behind by a fast-moving unit.
Use healthy modes of stress management. Do not eat your way through stress with fatty snacks. Plan ahead and pack healthy treats to help you along.
Dealing with death is certainly not taught in school. Everyone deals with death differently. This will be a learning experience for anyone. Try to set up a support system with co-workers. Some nurses pray if they are religious. Some simply need to regroup and vent to a co-worker or friend. Nursing demands control and professionalism at all times.
Dealing with cranky doctors and other healthcare professionals can be a challenge. Your calmness, professionalism and ability to deal with different personality traits, even the harsher ones, will come in handy. Don’t take anything too personally. When working in healthcare, you will sometimes gain friendship you did not plan on or ever expect. When working on a team that is so closely communicative, you are sure to develop great friendships. You are all dealing with stress, long hours, and so much more, but you do make real friends who can relate to your trials and joys.
There are things in life that no matter what kind of education we receive we can never learn in school. Realities of every day life will come and go. The key is to learn from our experiences and use them in our future works.