12 Tips for Greater Nursing Job Satisfaction in 2012

Last Updated 1 03, 2012

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By: Vicki Hess

Well 2011 is complete and as I promised the NurseTogether viewers, in honor of our new year "Twenty Twelve", I'm going to share 12 tips for becoming the Chief Paradise Officer (CPO) of your nursing job this year.

To keep things manageable, just pick one or two to get started and do them regularly. Then you can add others as each one becomes a habit.

Notice things you do at work that get you satisfied, energized & feeling productive and try to do more of them. At the very least – try to enjoy them when they are happening.
When hit with a POW (an internal or external event that makes you feel frustrated, sad, bad, etc.), stop and take a deep breath.
Every day when you come home from work share one WOW (an internal or external event that makes you feel happy, energized, good, etc.) from that day with someone who will listen (a journal works well also).
Notice if your negative knee-jerk reactions lean towards "fight" or "flight". Think about strategies to harness these reactions when you are not in the midst of a POW.
When you notice someone around you doing something positive, compliment him or her.
When you eat a meal with coworkers, suggest a "No POWing Rule". Put the kibosh (yes that's how you spell it - I looked it up) on complaining while dining.
Think about things you do that keep your emotions in check (exercise, prayer, listening to music, hobbies, etc.). Do these things every day.
Quit taking things personally (short, but not always simple).
If you've been POW'd by a coworker, go to him or her directly to talk about it...or let it go. No stewing or gossiping to other nurses.
Avoid Fly-Away Thinking. When you start to worry and your mind starts spinning out of control, purposefully narrow your thoughts (like the neck of a funnel) and imagine the best possible ending to the situation.
Try some “Swan Seeking” – look for the good in your coworkers, nurse manager, patients, etc. It’s easy to focus on the ugly ducklings – look for the swan in others and you’ll find it more easily.
Every day before work, commit to being the CPO of your job no matter what is happening around you. No excuses, no whining...just embrace your ticket to Professional Paradise!

About the Author: Vicki Hess, RN, MS, CSP, professional speaker, author and consultant works with employees and leaders on increasing employee engagement in the midst of all the change in healthcare. For more information and to sign up to receive Postcards from Paradise - her FREE monthly e-newsletter - visit www.VickiHess.com.

Click here for more information on Vicki Hess.

Nurses, if you enjoy writing on nursing career, education or lifestyle related issues and are interested in becoming a NurseTogether.com contributor, please click here.

Tags:communication in nursing, lateral violence in nursing, nurse bullying, nurse leadership, nurse wellness, nurses and burnout, nursing career, nursing profession, professionalism in nursing, tress management for nurses

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Recent Comments (there are 7 comments)

I like these... a good attitude to start the new year...or a new day. Thanks, Vicki.

Posted By: Beatrice L on 1 04, 2012

Also, you must "be true to yourself" as dissatisfaction often rears it's head when we are forced to act in ways we would not normally act and stuff our feelings deep inside.

Posted By: Carol B on 1 09, 2012

Thanks for the positive tips. My favorite is #8. Quit taking things personally

Posted By: Tamiya L on 1 13, 2012

Great tips that can be shared with all friends and family as they apply across many fields.

Posted By: Isabel G on 1 16, 2012

Great tip to apply to all aspects of life. It's so easy to get dragged into the negativity of others and so hard to drag yourself out. You have offered practical, easy, yet effective ways to rise above the common and mundane

Posted By: stephanie p on 1 17, 2012

I had already tried these suggestions, but they worked for so long, needless to say, they no longer work. It would be nice to hear practical advice that didn't appear so sugar coated, I mean, I am human and sometimes some or all of these will fail. I am also tried of pretending, and it is difficult to get past or see beyond the reality of working as a nurse.

Posted By: Kris F on 1 17, 2012

I agree with you Kris. Putting on a happy face only works for so long. I will say this, there is so much opportunity for nurses to get out of the hospitals and be more independent.

Posted By: Glenda A on 1 22, 2012