Recently I received a very alarming email from a nurse who was extremely upset. She had made a mistake at work and was experiencing negative repercussions from her coworkers. In fact, the nurse shared with me how abandoned and isolated she felt. She asked me what she could do about it and I shared a nurse empowerment resource, resilience strategies, and self-care tips in this video.
To summarize:
- Find support. Tap into nurses who can help with licensing issues, legal challenges, and other serious matters. One nurse that comes to mind is a dear colleagues, Lorie Brown. Find out more information about Lorie and how she can help by clicking here.
- Next, some tips for the soul. After a situation like this, it’s typical to feel rejected. You may experience issues with trusting coworkers in the future, worrying that every nurse has it out for you. While these feeling are very real at the time, they can be harmful if you remain attached to them. In the video above, I share strategies for releasing negative thoughts and feelings.
- After time has allowed for some release and healing, it’s time to stand back into your pride and personal power. Not all nurses out there are bad… many of them are awesome, great, wonderful and top-notch! Open yourself up to opportunities. Allow yourself to connect with new people. Make your work place a fun environment to be in. Even if that means making a change…
What did we miss? I’d love to hear how you have had success with turning a negative situation at work into a positive learning experience. Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
About the Author: As a keynote speaker, bestselling author and virtual conference host, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. During the National Nurse’s Week online conference, ‘The Art of Nursing‘, Elizabeth supports nurses in achieving professional goals of continued learning and development. Click here to find out more about how The Art of Nursing appreciates and celebrates our profession in a meaningful way.
Wonderful and much needed post and tips, Elizabeth! I think most of us know that sinking feeling when we discover a mistake….I do! It is a time when our colleagues can show support, first to address any clinical ramifications and then to show some support. Hope our colleague who contacted you is feeling better.
Wonderful points, Beth. Thank you!
Great article with wonderful suggestions to dealing with a difficult situation, that is not uncommon.
Awesome!
Great suggestions. Nurses definitely are supported as they should be either by coworkers or management.