Bullying, incivility, rudeness, irritability, compassion fatigue, and burnout are rampant in nursing. And it doesn’t make sense when nursing is the place you expect to find the most caring and empathetic people in the world.
Part of the “job” in nursing means you will be exposed to the spectrum of human experiences. This ranges from sickness, trauma, death, pain and suffering along with triumph, love and miracles. You go through the range of human emotions on a regular basis every day as you work with your patients.
Then you deal with the nuances of the many personalities among your colleagues. Dealing with such a variety of emotions is part of every day in the life of a nursing professional.
How can you be “tough” when it is empathy and caring that is most needed? How can nursing professionals manage emotions when you are supposed to “put them aside?” Somehow you are just supposed to just ‘deal with it.’ And this is what we’ll discuss in here, part 13 of a 16-part series on emotional intelligence.
Understanding Emotions
Emotions are hard-wired into our nervous system. They are part of decisions and of our communications. Hence, when we are stressed, our decision-making processes are very vulnerable to being hijacked as the result of the primitive stress reaction.
Emotional hijacking, anger and negativity happens when emotions build up and have no place for expression. Bullying, negativity, and burnout are symptoms of the bigger problem of ignoring the internal landscape and conditions needed to handle the demands of “caring” as healthcare professionals. The transformation of healthcare is an inside-out job.
As a nurse, I went into the field to make a difference in the world. I wanted to support the healing process and help people in their struggle. I did not think too much about what it would take to sustain this desire day to day on the job. I also did not expect to also deal with the indirect emotional attacks like bullying, back stabbing and intense negativity.
Today, I stay committed to making a difference in the lives of nurse leaders who can make or break the lives of nurses.
Developing Resilience
Resilience provides a new framework for productivity. In order to “get more done,” it is necessary to relate well, communicate, and listen effectively. We should be able to connect with others in an authentic way. It sounds like a tall order. Yet when you partner with the wisdom of your heart, you will interrupt the chronic stress reaction that short circuits effectiveness.
As a nurse leader, I believe resilience will help you engage your team and energize you. Activating your resilience and developing a foundation of emotional intelligence is part of your leadership development. It will pay dividends throughout your life.
4 Steps to a Resilient Mindset:
1. Optimism. Regardless of what is happening, you believe in yourself. You know that you will achieve your goal.
2. Focus. Regardless of the distractions around you or within you, you are not bogged down with self-doubt or derailed by emotional chaos.
3. Confidence. This means you know you have weaknesses yet you still recognize your strengths. These strengths will actually elevate you beyond those weaknesses.
4. Action. Taking action and doing something about the challenge is the result of this strong belief in yourself and the desire to make a difference in the situation.
Nurse leaders are tested by staff and observed to see how well they handle situations. They are responsible for successful outcomes. It can be a challenge to maintain boundaries, listen effectively, and make tough decisions. Mastering your mindset is the foundation of successful leadership.