Time is a critical resource for nurses, and the increased demands of an always-on culture often leave little time to pause and reflect on one's professional practice.
Busy nurses are prone to burnout, compassion fatigue, and decreased professional satisfaction. During these times, new nurses either quit their job or become careless, which leads to medical errors.
This is where these nurses need their colleagues and leaders to lend a helping hand.
One way for nurse leaders to support their colleagues is to create a peer-to-peer learning culture through mentoring and coaching to help new nurses cope with the stressful environment of medicare.
As a nurse, you know what it's like to feel overwhelmed. And, as a nurse manager or leader, you've regarded the pressure of not having the time or ability to provide the support you want for your team.
Still, there are many things you can do to support your nursing colleagues.
The ability to make a difference, even in small ways, means planning and thinking about supporting your team before a challenging situation arises. Here are some ideas:
Jump to:
- 1. Identify Your Strengths as a Team Leader and Use Them
- 2. Make Meaningful Connections with Your Team
- 3. Show That You Care By Making Time to Talk
- 4. Listen to Your Team's Concerns and Ideas
- 5. Be Transparent About Expectations and Listen to Feedback
- 6. Keep Your Team in the Loop on New Initiatives
- 7. Give Specific Feedback about Contributions and Provide Opportunities to Learn New Skills
- 8. Make Sure Your Staff Feels Respected By Having Clear Expectations
- 9. Remember Your Mentors and Share What You've Learned with Others
- 10. Make Time for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
1. Identify Your Strengths as a Team Leader and Use Them
As a nurse leader, you likely bring different strengths to your role. Do you provide hope? Are you an excellent listener? Are you good at problem-solving? Can you communicate effectively?
Strengths can change from day to day, so find out what you're naturally good at and use those skills when supporting your team.
If you have your heart set on becoming a nurse manager, plenty of online courses are available for preparation.
Enrolling in an MSN to NP programs online degree will equip you with advanced knowledge in offering quality care to patients and assuming senior roles in nursing.
You'll also study the latest developments in medicine and develop communication skills to interact with colleagues more effectively.
2. Make Meaningful Connections with Your Team
Nursing can be an isolating profession, and nurses often feel they have no one to turn to for support, especially those who work long hours or in a unit where there aren't many nurses.
Be mindful and take every opportunity to talk to your team about their job and how they're doing. The more you know about your team, the better equipped you'll be to support them.
3. Show That You Care By Making Time to Talk
In a busy environment, it's essential to show your team that you care about them as people, not just as employees.
Make time to sit down with your team and talk—without worrying about scheduling. Just make a point to ask how they're doing and listen without judging.
The conversation could turn into a brainstorming session where you're able to problem-solve together.
4. Listen to Your Team's Concerns and Ideas
When your team feels like you're not listening to their ideas for improving things, they'll stop trying. Listening doesn't take a lot of time, but it makes a massive difference in your team's morale.
When you make an effort to hear them out, they work harder. The best leaders are both excellent listeners and good communicators.
5. Be Transparent About Expectations and Listen to Feedback
Nursing is a profession that requires working in a team, and it's essential to be open with your staff about the goals you have for them.
It's also vital that they feel comfortable bringing concerns to you. If they feel like you're not listening, they'll probably be less motivated to work hard for you.
The best way to reach common grounds of understanding is by being transparent about your expectations.
6. Keep Your Team in the Loop on New Initiatives
Tell your team right away when you have a new initiative in the works. Even when you're busy, make sure to inform your team about new projects or changes coming down the line.
The more they know about what's going on, the more motivated they'll be to perform at their best.
7. Give Specific Feedback about Contributions and Provide Opportunities to Learn New Skills
Not only do nurses want to know how they're doing, but they also want to know what they can improve on.
As a leader, it's essential to give your team feedback about their work—and how they can improve. The more specific the feedback, the more motivated your team will be to change their approach.
8. Make Sure Your Staff Feels Respected By Having Clear Expectations
Before a new staff member starts in a position, take the time to sit down and talk to them about what you expect.
Make sure your new team members feel respected and valued and be mindful of how you interact with them.
If you're open and respectable to your staff members, they'll be happier working for you and exceed expectations.
9. Remember Your Mentors and Share What You've Learned with Others
Leadership is about mentorship—you can't be a good nurse leader without learning from others.
Reflect on what you've learned from mentors, and consider sharing these lessons with others in your team.
If you pass on knowledge to new nurses, they'll perform better.
10. Make Time for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
You'll have more to give to others, and you'll feel better about yourself when you're able to take care of yourself during your career.
Make sure you're taking time out for yourself, family and friends. In addition, ensure you're getting enough sleep.
Conclusion
Leadership isn't easy. Your staff will appreciate you for making their job and lives more manageable. If you have suggestions of how nurses can be better leaders, share these tips with others.
However, don't 'overdo' this and think there is only one way to lead. If you find your leadership style is compelling, adapt it to fit individual personalities and needs!