Navigating the nursing journey with purpose

Nurses, what’s next?

As a maternity nurse, I’m a part of one of the crucial essential moments within the lives of families I’ll never meet again. This calling requires a positive attitude and the flexibility to instill hope during every 12-hour shift. But in some unspecified time in the future, I felt exhausted and disconnected from the job, and all my efforts to remain upbeat and engaged only made the burnout worse. This toxic positivity, or pressure to exude optimism, had a detrimental effect on my well-being and I discovered myself in a state of maximum anti-compassion.

I heard conversations within the break room and hallways of colleagues who were experiencing similar exhaustion, and although I used to be well aware of the tools and resources available in my organization – worker assistance programs, wellness calendars, etc. – I didn’t know any of the nurses who used them and I didn’t know the way taking these classes could alleviate my burnout.

Reconnecting along with your purpose.

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

During my doctoral studies in nursing practice, I started research on the impact of recognizing one’s own goal on job satisfaction and commitment. Defining your goal generally is a challenge. Just saying, “I’m a maternity nurse” doesn’t describe who I’m, what I consider in, or where I’m going.

Discovering a deeper understanding of what my purpose is, the values ​​that guide my decisions, and the passions that guide my future have allowed me to see my work as a part of my purpose.

Mindfulness at work.

A key step on this process was beginning to practice mindfulness while working. By recognizing how I felt during patient care, interactions with colleagues, and skilled tasks, I used to be in a position to higher understand the source of my frustrations and reconnect with my purpose as a nurse. I transformed my attitude and thoughts from “being a nurse is my means to an end” to “educating and helping families safely bring latest life into the world fulfills my purpose of teaching and serving others.” By doing this, I started to feel more fulfilled in what I did and have a stronger reference to my patients.

Finding the fitting resources.

Self-actualization, or the need to be the perfect, is at the highest of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Before we are able to achieve our goal, we must first meet more basic needs equivalent to security (job security), love and belonging (friendship), and respect (appreciation). That is when we are able to leverage the resources we have now as nurses. Make the most of resources that meet your specific needs: join virtual nursing communities, start monthly field trips, or get entangled in organizational projects or volunteering.

But be demanding. Once I defined my goal, I began to find how I could proceed to grow in it. It was then that I joined a committee that aligned with my goals and profession goals, found a mentor who filled the role I aspired to, and commenced taking courses offered by my organization to earn certifications in areas that supported my skilled development.

The important thing was to align these resources with my goal. There are lots of programs, guides, and classes available to nurses, but when the intended outcomes of those resources don’t support my goal, it’ll not help me feel more satisfied with my job. Consider this idea like buying a brand new pair of jeans. You would not try on a pair that won’t your size, the fitting color or the length you would like.

Three steps to meet at work:

1. A goal just isn’t something we are able to achieve; it’s what we create through our actions and beliefs. Once we achieve our purpose, we feel energized and motivated, which allows us to have greater impact in our work and connect more deeply with others. Defining your goal is a private experience and will reflect your chosen learning style. Reflective journaling, talking to colleagues, or taking notes within the moment is an important approach to start and further explore the query: “What about my work, relationships, and interactions brings me joy, energy, or excitement?”
2. Individuals who view their work as a calling with purpose are generally more satisfied with their job than those that view it as “only a job.” Establishing a mindset is a skill; nonetheless, there are meaningful, actionable actions that could make our work meaningful. Setting intentions or short-term goals that align along with your purpose can enable you further your profession and connect your work along with your meaning.
3. . Once you have identified your goal, align your work and activities with it by exploring resources offered by your organization, associations, or online communities for nurses. Use these resources to proceed to grow in your purpose, experience greater satisfaction in your job, and empower yourself as a nurse.

In times when motivation wanes, patient care becomes exhausting, and self-care appears like a second job, the symptoms of burnout may worsen. Knowing your purpose can function a guiding North Star, leading you to a life stuffed with meaning and success that shall be enhanced by your work and skilled activities.

Jaclyn Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, an experienced engagement coach with over a decade of experience in nursing – labor and delivery, ICU, management and executive wellness leadership – is enthusiastic about helping nurses discover success of their occupation. She recently graduated from Yale University with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Health Care Leadership, Systems and Policy.