Empowering New Nurses

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being celebrated in October. Did you know that many cancer months raise awareness about different forms of cancer? This disease can be challenging to the patient, families, and caregivers. There are many ways of coping to alleviate some of these challenges such as: listening to music, discussing music, writing journals, practicing mindfulness, participating in puzzles, walking, and gardening. For example, gardening helps physically and emotionally relieve stress. This can be achieved by sharing the experiences encountered with friends and family.

Inspirational Quotations that I found helpful as I cope with life’s challenges. I know that nursing assignments can become overwhelming at times. Therefore, within your daily schedule, please insert relaxation time as a treat for yourself to regroup. It is important also to take time out to celebrate your small or big wins. You can choose to celebrate with yourself by treating yourself to a special meal or having something special with your colleagues or special supporters. e.g. Watching a movie together.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

Dr. Miriam Amanda Smith interviewed Marcia Robinson, a Nurse Practitioner. They both shared some of their coping mechanism during the COVID crisis, it was not very comforting for all so nurses found strength in their peers and provided emotional and physical support. Teamwork was embraced to ensure that the patients receive the best care possible and that collaboration would prevent burnout episodes. Nurses were encouraged to balance work and self-care to provide care for their patients and themselves. Some institutions provided counselors and therapists for mental and spiritual support during this time of great apprehension.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

The reason why you chose nursing should have a compassionate component, that inner drive should set you apart. Your empathy and care will help patients heal physically and emotionally when it’s needed the most. In my book "The Guide to Empowering New Nurses" contains a wealth of information that will help you to guide you on your nursing path. My wish for you to obtain a copy and use this as one of your special nursing companions and reference. It's an "Amazon Best Seller" and can obtained there.  @dr.miriamamandasmith9134 

Exercise is one of the physical dimensions of self-care which has many benefits including :

Exercise improves moods by releasing endorphins, which help with mood by boosting one's confidence and way of feeling good about themselves. One's sleep can improve, in addition to reducing stress by decreasing the levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It also improves brain health and protects against age-related cognitive degeneration. One feels less fatigues and more energized upon participating in exercise activities.

Advancing a nursing career can bring benefits, both personal and professional. The increased skills and knowledge will enhance your expertise e.g.: critical care, pediatrics, and midwifery.

Nursing is a dynamic and evolving field. Advancing your education ensures you stay current with the latest medical advancements and healthcare technologies. Learning about new challenges and learning new skills fosters personal development and stimulates your career. Patient care outcomes will be better since high-quality care will be improved. An advanced degree provides opportunities and career paths since more doors will be opened for roles such as leaders, nurse educators, and healthcare consultants. It is less likely for a specialized nurse to be affected by layoffs. A new nurse enhances his/her professional expertise, and increases job satisfaction, earning potential, and long-term career stability.

• It is very important to celebrate small wins as a new nurse. Celebrating small wins is crucial for new nurses, It builds confidence, maintains motivation, and reduces burnout. New nurses can celebrate their achievements by taking time out to recognize the smallest accomplishments, such as successfully starting an IV or meeting a patient's special needs. Log or journal your wins to appreciate your growth. Take time out to treat yourself to something special that you enjoy: a nice meal, sometimes enjoying your favorite hobby. In addition, share your win with your nursing colleagues and team. Plan a casual celebration, like bringing some juice, or pizza to share with your co-workers. A visual reminder can be placed in a conspicuous area to show your growth over time...
• IV or comforting a patient.
• Keep a journal or log of these wins. Writing them down helps you appreciate your  A visual reminder can be placed in a conspicuous area.

3 Tips for Nurses in Chapter 7 “Nurses: The Guide to Empowering New Nurses…”

Since Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. Ensure that you get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Regular exercise and mindfulness practices can help manage stress. As a young nurse, I recommend finding a mentor, an experienced nurse who can guide you. The mentor does not have to be at your workplace, however it would be great to have one there. In addition, stay committed to learning, because healthcare is constantly evolving. Develop strong communication skills. Effective communication is a key component in nursing. Remember, you will be interacting with patients, families, the interdisciplinary team, and more.

Khadine excitedly explains her role as a midwife in her healthcare facility in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. She enjoys educating mothers in preparing them for delivery in labor and delivery, post-partum, and other maternal areas. She talked about the baby-friendly initiative and shared her personal breastfeeding experience.

Navigating the Storm: A Deep Reflection on Coping with Grief and Loss"

Understanding Grief is very important to everyone, especially those who are experiencing the loss. According to the Kubler-Ross model, stages of grief include denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

Recognize that grief is a unique and personal experience. There are different types of loss such as death and divorce. One must acknowledge that grief can stem from a variety of life changes.

Individuals react differently to the change emotionally, physically, and behaviorally e.g. Isolating, forgetful, and irritable.

Therefore, many coping strategies can be embraced:

Self-care: Maintaining physical health (nutrition, sleep, exercise).

Emotional expression: Journaling, art, music, or creative outlets.

Spiritual support may be needed especially when a faith belief system is in place. The grieving time may vary as each individual is unique. However, for prolonged complicated grief,