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The Six Keys to Nursing Success Seriess
3rd Key- Creating Work/life Balance
There are 6 essential
keys for nurses to embrace to move from surviving to thriving in nursing:
-
Shifting from the “one- up” position
(as the expert, mentor, caretaker) to equal partnership
-
Shifting from selflessness (being
last on the list) to self-care
-
Creating work/life balance
-
Establishing boundaries
-
Identifying and learning to live
their passion
-
Discovering and integrating personal
values into your life
This is
the 3rd in our nursing success article series with the overview of each of
these essential keys. The 3rd key is Creating work/life balance (inside and outside the organization).
Creating
work/life balance is a process and one that is ever changing from day to
day. Reevaluating where you are as an individual and your part in
fulfilling the vision of your organization on a regular basis is essential.
For
organizations, the “new” healthy workplace is at least a combination of a
hierarchy and collaborative model and ideally, all collaborative. Creating
balance and meaning within the workplace and life keeps us at our happiest
and most productive. Employees skilled at life balance show up, give quality
care and stay in the profession longer.
Strive
for a balanced life now. Get clear on your definition of life
balance. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Is your life all about
responsibilities and little enjoyment? When was the last time you did
something just for you? Are you taking time to be still and reflect on your
present life and what you wish for your future?
For
organizations, is it all about what’s not working or also emphasis on a job
well done?
What
systems and resources are working well that can provide a foundation for
excellence? The healthy balance lies in considering all these things to
support continuous quality improvement and recognition of existing
successes.
For the
individual, living a balanced life doesn’t necessarily mean spending equal
time in each area of your life. It does mean finding balance in your roles
as giver and receiver. Take care of others and give to others a portion of
your time versus 100% of the time. Dedicate time for self-care, learning
and replenishing yourself on a regular basis. Who are you passionate about
being and what are you passionate about doing?
What is
your detailed picture of a typical day in your dream week? Dream life? If
you see a gap between where you are and where you want to be, what action
step are you willing to take this week towards the future you desire? If
you are not sure, go back and set aside time to create the specific details
so you can clearly see the life you want.
Where do
you see yourself in your dream nursing career? Are you there yet? If not,
get clear and then create stepping-stones to reach those goals. Any
obstacles in your way are simply challenges to be overcome. Elicit help
from others to support you on this journey. Create a Dream Team. A Dream
Team is everyone you know and everyone you don’t know that can help you
achieve your dreams. Make specific requests for ideas and assistance and
make it easy for others to say yes! (Example; “Can you give me some
advance practice scholarship information resources?” Vs. “Can you help me
become a Nurse Practitioner?”)
Internalizing and practicing the
Six Keys to Nursing Success is critical in moving nurses from surviving to
thriving! The September issue of the Shift Change newsletter will explore the
4th key to nursing success. Until then, practice the 1st through 3rd keys and report your ideas and successes on the Shift Change Blog.
*For
those of you who want more of this work for yourself or your organization,
we offer life balance teleclasses or on site workshops and individual and
group coaching.
Best regards,
Merrily Sable, RN, BSN and Betsy Smith, PhD
 
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