Mindset in Nursing is Everything

Whether you’re struggling with being a new nurse or managing to make it another shift as a seasoned nurse, your mindset could make or break you. You have the power to choose how you feel, act, and interact during any situation. Being able to shift your mindset can be one of the best tools you utilize for yourself throughout your nursing career. In this article, we’ll cover some of the examples of negative mindsets nurses often have and how to address them in a more productive way. We’ll also discuss a few ways to shift your line of thinking to better manage your professional satisfaction as well as the overall trajectory of your career. And lastly, we’ll touch base on a few actions you can take to improve your nursing mindset.

As a new grad nurse, no matter which unit you’re working on, it can feel overwhelming to know the vast amount of information and skills you’re required to learn, know, and utilize on a regular basis. This can be a frustrating fact because nursing school only prepares you to be a competent, entry-level nurse capable of passing the board exam. Don’t let this trap you into becoming unsatisfied with your career choice so early on. Instead, while continuing to grow and learn, remember you’re doing so you can protect your license and all nurses go through this initial adjustment period of growth because nursing school simply cannot teach you everything you’ll need to know for your job. Once you accept this, you can reframe your mindset and approach learning opportunities more readily.

While orienting with a preceptor, try to keep an open mind to what the nursing profession is and can represent. Don’t allow your preceptor’s or another coworker’s opinions or evaluation of the nursing profession skew the conclusions you’re drawing about nursing on your own. Be your own individual and remember to think for yourself.

If you’re a nurse who is struggling to continue liking your job, try to identify the specific aspects of your job that you like and dislike. Then you can determine if the things you dislike can be manipulated to improve your career satisfaction. For example, maybe you currently work night shift but are struggling to get enough rest, have a social life, and/or spend time with your family. Potentially, a change from night shift to day shift might improve each of those downsides involved with working overnight. You can also try listing the facts about your job to remind you of how amazing it can be to work as a nurse. For instance, the fact that you have job security, can typically find a job in any location, have decent pay comparatively (although we can all agree that can be better), the ability to change specialties or settings, etc. can all be positives about your nursing job to remind you to have positive perspective.

If you’re still struggling to find positives about your nursing job, try shifting your mindset in these ways. Think about things you’re thankful to have because of your job (Ex: educational opportunities, diversified experiences, your coworkers, etc.). Use those aspects of your job as fuel to continue growing in your nursing career. You could try switching up the setting of your nursing role by changing units, facilities, or even the work setting. For example, if you’re tired of constantly running around during your hospital day shift, maybe you look into a day shift clinic nurse role instead. The beauty with this is that you are in control of the trajectory of your nursing career; it will become whatever you work towards making it become.

If you’re experiencing frustration at work, consider whether you are frustrated at what’s truly happening in that moment or if you’re frustrated that you aren’t taking control of the parts of the situation that you can control…which may change the outcome for the better. You have to create the career path you want to be on; don’t wait around expecting it to come to volution on its own because the right path won’t necessarily “find” you.

Now let’s talk about actions you can take to help keep your outlook about nursing more positive! Avoid those who tend to project their thoughts, feelings, and emotions onto others so you don’t adopt their mindsets (typically small minded & stuck). Choose to see obstacles as part of your career path and nursing journey, not as something that always has to alter your ideal career path. Take the breaks you are allowed to take, use your PTO, and have days off dedicated to being “no-work” days. Before quitting a nursing job, try changing aspects of it first such as the setting, role, unit, etc.

Choose to start each shift anew and don’t bring along the bad energy from a previous shift. Avoid being stuck living in your nursing past. Work on increasing your skills of resiliency and flexibility because the “perfect” shift doesn’t exist, but every shift can be better. Seek out a mentor or advisor throughout your nursing career journey to motivate you and help you become the nurse you want to be. Finally, always remember the sad fact that you cannot change the healthcare industry and are easily replaceable to them. No one is looking out for you…you have to protect your energy, career, license, passion, etc. No one will do that for you or encourage you to do so. The sooner you learn and understand this unfortunate reality, you can stop relying on others to fulfill the happiness you seek from your nursing career. Only you have the ability to fulfill your own career satisfaction needs. Empower yourself.

I truly hope the points made in this article have helped you re-think, alter, and re-shape your mindset about the nursing profession and your own nursing career path in particular. Until next time, happy studying!

Andra Alyse