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For anyone interested in a career that combines compassion with science, the field of mental health nursing is worth exploring. Mental health nurses aim to improve the holistic health and wellness of individuals who are coping with different types of mental illnesses and disorders. Being a part of this noble profession has its own set of rewards, not only do you get to make a difference in another person’s recovery journey, but it can also offer great job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Successfully pursuing a mental health nurse career requires dedication, passion, patience, and knowledge, so here’s some vital information to help you take your first steps on your professional path.

1. Get the Necessary Education

You need to have obtained either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to establish a career in mental health nursing. If you already hold a diploma, earning your ADN or BSN through online programs is possible. There are also those who opt to earn an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) degree to make themselves even more competitive in the job market.

Accelerated nursing programs are also available for those with a Bachelor’s degree in another field. You can take an ABSN online program and become a nurse in as little as one year. The syllabus may cover units like psychology, pharmacology, and other related fields.

2. Obtain Licensure

Before commencing practice, all registered nurses must obtain a license, which is mandatory in every state. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is necessary to acquire the license and work as a mental health nurse. This exam is designed to assess your knowledge of nursing practices, ethical issues, and patient care. Maintaining your license may require the completion of additional coursework or continuing education credits. You can contact your area’s state board of nursing to determine the exact requirements.

3. Consider Mental Health Specialty Certifications

Mental health nursing is quickly becoming one of the most popular nursing specialties. You can demonstrate your expertise and knowledge to potential employers by obtaining a certification in the field. You may have to obtain additional education or complete a set number of hours of fieldwork depending on the certification you want. The ANCC website provides more information about the requirements for each specialty.

4. Gain Experience

You can only know if you are a good fit for this career by gaining hands-on experience. You can begin by volunteering at local hospitals or clinics; however, look for opportunities to work directly with patients suffering from mental illnesses. An internship with a mental health facility is another excellent way to gain experience. This will allow you to observe and learn from experienced nurses and psychiatrists in a practical setting.

5. Stay Up to Date

Things can change in an instant in the field of nursing. You can follow the latest trends by attending conferences, reading relevant articles, and joining professional organizations. Stay up to date with the licensing requirements in your area since you need to renew your license after some time.

Mental health nursing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also has its own unique challenges that must not be overlooked.

Engaging in mental health nursing is a fulfilling and significant profession. As a mental health nurse, you have the chance to assist individuals in overcoming their struggles and leading more satisfying lives. However, achieving success in this field demands perseverance, devotion, and unique proficiencies. This post outlines the essential measures for achieving success as a mental health nurse, including obtaining the necessary education and training, honing critical skills for thriving in the field, and navigating the obstacles and rewards of this vital profession.

1. Invest in Education and Training

You must have an undergraduate degree in nursing to pursue mental health nursing. You may also need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and obtain a state license before beginning your career.

You can then pursue a master’s or doctorate in nursing, specializing in mental health. Attending nursing graduate school will provide you with the necessary education and training to become a mental health nurse. Graduate programs focus on courses that cover various topics, including mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Psychopharmacology, group therapy, crisis intervention, and evidence-based practice for mental health nursing are also common.

You may have to participate in clinical practicums or internships, allowing you to gain hands-on mental health nursing experience under licensed professionals’ supervision.

2. Develop Your Skills

Mental health nursing is a complex field requiring technical and interpersonal skills. Empathy is a crucial characteristic of nursing professionals; excellent communication skills can help cultivate it. In addition, a thorough understanding of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment approaches is indispensable. Strong problem-solving abilities are also essential to recognize and cater to your patients’ needs.

These proficiencies can be cultivated through practical experience, formal education, and consistent practice. With increasing experience, you will naturally develop most of these skills. You can also take courses or attend seminars and workshops on communication, assessment, and treatment in mental health nursing.

3. Prepare for the Challenges

Mental health nursing is both rewarding and challenging. You may encounter various physical, emotional, and psychological issues while caring for and supporting your patients. Being mindful of these potential challenges is crucial to prepare yourself adequately. For instance, it is not uncommon for mental health nurses to work with highly challenging individuals who have significant behavioral issues or require intensive care and support. Mental health nursing can be emotionally exhausting due to the nature of the job. It is essential to be mindful of these possible challenges and devise effective techniques to cope with them to safeguard your mental health.

4. Stay Up-to-Date With Best Practices

Continuing education and development are vital for any profession to keep up with the latest best practices. Your role as a mental health nurse requires that you should stay up-to-date with any changes. This includes new treatments and medications. You should ensure that your skills and knowledge remain current by participating in continuing education courses or attending conferences and seminars.

5. Be Resilient

Mental health nursing can be rewarding, but it also requires resilience to continue providing quality care despite any challenges you may face. By prioritizing self-care and taking appropriate measures to prepare for a career in mental health nursing, you can be confident that you are ready to face the profession’s challenges and rewards.

You can be confident in your ability to handle the profession’s challenges and reap its rewards with the proper preparation and attitude. With dedication, resilience, and continued learning, you can positively impact your patients’ lives and help them reach their goals. 

Psychiatric mental health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that requires extensive knowledge and skills to provide holistic care to patients with mental health disorders. Mental health disorders can range from anxiety and depression to more severe illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Psychiatric mental health nurses play a crucial role in the care of these patients, working alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive treatment plans. 

1. Education Requirements

To become a psychiatric mental health nurse, a person must complete an accredited nursing degree program. This typically includes earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). After completing the required education, aspiring nurses must also obtain a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Before licensure, you need to attain a master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing. An online psychiatric NP master’s program can help you obtain the necessary training and qualifications to become a licensed practitioner. You will also need to complete an internship or supervised clinical experience program.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatric mental health nurses are responsible for providing direct care and treatment to patients with mental disorders. This includes assessing a patient’s condition, creating individualized treatment plans, providing medication management and psychotherapy, and monitoring the patient’s overall well-being. 

Psychiatric mental health nurses must also be knowledgeable in various topics related to mental health, including diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, pharmacology, crisis management, addiction and substance abuse, and ethical considerations. Moreover, they are responsible for educating patients and their families about mental health issues.

3. Challenges & Rewards

Working as a psychiatric mental health nurse can be both rewarding and challenging. To provide the best care for your patients, it is essential to have excellent clinical, assessment, and communication skills. It is also important to keep up with the latest trends in mental health research and treatments. The job can also be emotionally taxing due to the nature of the work and its effect on patients and their families. Burnout and compassion fatigue are common among psychiatric mental health nurses. However, there is also a great satisfaction in providing compassionate care and support for those in need.

4. Skills Needed

Psychiatric mental health nurses must have excellent clinical skills and be knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating various mental health disorders. They must also be strong communicators, able to explain complex medical information to patients and their families in an easy-to-understand manner. Additionally, they need to be patient advocates, standing up for the rights of their patients and advocating for the best possible care. Finally, they must have excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple patients and complex treatment plans.

5. Potential Working Fields

Psychiatric mental health nurses can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, residential treatment facilities, and private practices. They may also find employment in schools, universities, correctional facilities, or military hospitals. Most psychiatric mental health nurses specialize in treating certain populations, such as children and adolescents or adults with severe mental illness. They may also specialize in a particular field, such as substance abuse or geriatrics.

Regardless of where they work, psychiatric mental health nurses have an important role to play in helping people with mental health issues. With the right education and training, these professionals can make a difference in their patient’s lives and in the community as a whole.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it is essential to take care of it just as we would our physical health. However, mental health issues can be complex and require specialized care. Mental health nurses play a critical role in treating individuals with mental health issues, providing specialized care that helps patients manage their conditions and lead fulfilling lives. In this blog post, we will explore what mental health nurses do, their responsibilities, and the skills they need to excel in their roles.

1. Assess the Physical and Mental Health of Patients

While the name of the profession implies that mental health nurses are only concerned with the mental health of their patients, this is not always the case. Mental health nurses assess physical and mental well-being and develop care plans accordingly. They do a comprehensive assessment which includes physical examinations, reviewing the personal history and medication records, evaluating biological indicators (such as blood tests), assessing cognitive functioning, evaluating mood and behavior, and more.

2. Provide Counseling and Education

Mental health nurses help patients understand their conditions and provide counseling to help them cope with their diagnosis. They also help them develop skills for managing their symptoms and emotions. Moreover, mental health nurses often educate family members about the patient’s condition, which helps everyone involved better understand what is happening and how to help the patient best.

To solidify your understanding of what mental health nurses do, you should invest in education and training to grow in your role and develop the necessary skills. An online psych DNP program can give you the education and experience you need to specialize in mental health nursing and become a leader in your field. With the help of online courses, you will receive quality training while still working full-time, allowing you to build on your existing knowledge base and develop specialized skills that can make a real difference for your patients.

3. Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

The mental health nursing profession also involves advocating for better mental health awareness and understanding. They help break down stigmas associated with mental illness and raise public awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. This can include providing educational presentations or materials to community groups, speaking at conferences, attending meetings to discuss policy changes, offering support to those in need, and more.

Mental health nurses sometimes also work with other healthcare professionals to provide better care. For example, they may collaborate with psychiatrists and primary care physicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients or coordinate referrals for specialized services.

4. Monitor and Evaluate Patients

Patients with mental health issues require ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure they receive the best care possible. Mental health nurses track changes in symptoms and behaviors, adjust medications as needed, keep notes in patients’ records, provide follow-up care or referrals for additional services. You should also be prepared to handle emergency situations as needed. Mental health nurses must think quickly and assess the situation to provide appropriate care and support for their patients.

5. Ensure Compliance with Regulations

Healthcare specialists, including mental health nurses, must abide by regulations and ethical standards of practice. Mental health nurses must stay current on the latest laws and regulations, ensure that patient care meets established quality standards, and take appropriate action if they observe any violations or unethical behavior.

A career in mental health nursing can be gratifying, but it also requires dedication and commitment. It is essential to stay up to date on the latest research and trends in the field and continuously work to improve your skill set to provide the best care possible for your patients. With the right education and training, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the role of mental health nurse.

At the start of the fourth year of the coronavirus pandemic, it may seem that healthcare is no longer in crisis — but that is only because headlines are no longer reporting on it. So many healthcare providers like doctors and nurses became so overwhelmed at the height of the pandemic that they sought other employment opportunities, to the extent that now almost every region is suffering from a shortage of healthcare professionals. Though rates of COVID hospitalizations remain steady at a much lower rate than a couple years ago, remaining healthcare providers continue to experience higher rates of stress and burnout as a result of the higher workloads needed to cover persistent staffing shortages.

Unfortunately, many healthcare institutions can do little to relieve the added pressure of short staff, and few are striving to give providers the resources they need to manage their stress and burnout safely and effectively. Ultimately, the only way to end widespread burnout is with systemic changes to the healthcare system — but until then, here are a few tips for healthcare workers on the brink of burning out.

Know the Signs of Burnout

Burnout develops slowly, as a professional’s level of stress must remain high for a long period before burnout occurs. Thus, healthcare workers should have plenty of time to evaluate their mental health and make changes to their lifestyle before they suffer the serious ramifications of full-blown burnout.

The exact signs of imminent burnout can vary from person to person, but most people experience the following physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms as a result of chronic stress:

• Racing heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Aches and pains around the body
• Muscle tension
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive problems
• Low libido
• Frequent coughs or colds
• Irritability
• Panic attacks
• Excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption
• Overeating or undereating
• Reckless gambling
• Compulsive behaviors

When an individual has experienced chronic stress to the degree that burnout is imminent, they might experience the following:

• Cynical or critical attitude at or toward work
• Difficulty beginning work-related tasks
• Impatience with coworkers and patients
• Difficulty concentrating on work
• Low or no satisfaction from completed jobs

Almost all healthcare workers are subjected to undue stress, but when that stress becomes unbearable, they need to take steps to prevent burnout — or recover from its initial stages — as quickly as possible.

Ask for Help From Supervisors and Colleagues

To ensure that harm does not befall a healthcare provider or their patients, they need to take some time away from the responsibilities causing them stress. To do this, professionals might talk to supervisors about reassigning duties in the workplace. Supervisors might be able to give a stressed worker some extra time off, reallocate responsibilities to other team members or hire additional staff to take on some of the workload. Stressed professionals might also communicate with colleagues about their circumstances to gain a little more support from their team.

Develop Strong and Healthy Routines

For many healthcare providers, their work is their life. After dedicating many years to study and practice, it makes sense that professionals in this field are so focused on their occupation. However, to prevent burnout, professionals also need to invest in healthy routines outside of work. Eating whole foods, exercising regularly, socializing and sleeping well are critical for a healthy mind and body, so professionals need to prioritize creating these routines to support them at work.

Often, healthcare administrators do not fully understand how their organizations are functioning day-to-day. Especially when business leaders have no experience providing healthcare, they might struggle to recognize the signs of an overworked staff. Thus, healthcare providers must learn to advocate for themselves with their management, which might involve working with administrators to improve policies and practices for everyone.

Consider Pivoting Into a Different Healthcare Role

Most healthcare providers feel passionate about their work, as they know that they are providing essential services to their community. However, if working directly with patients continues to cause high levels of stress and burnout, providers might consider pivoting into roles within healthcare administration. These jobs tend to have more regular schedules and less time-sensitive duties, which might help professionals develop a healthier work-life balance.

The novel coronavirus is not the only reason that healthcare providers are leaving the profession in droves; it merely highlighted the weakness of the healthcare system as it stands. Individual healthcare workers need to stand up for themselves to prevent the devastating effects of burnout — and they need to band together to fix the healthcare system for everyone.

A nursing career is a way of life, not just a job.

Nursing is defined by the work ethic and dedication required to provide care to patients in the healthcare setting. It’s what makes you an invaluable asset to your organization; you’re providing a service that has lasting effects on individuals and society.

Nursing careers can be rewarding and challenging at different levels, depending on your interests, experience, or location.

There are many options available for personal development opportunities through clinical practice or through educational programs offered in communities across North America.

One of the best things to do for someone looking for nursing career advice is to attend nursing school.

The Evolution of Nursing Careers

Nursing schools provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become nurses.

This includes a variety of coursework in anatomy and physiology, biology, pharmacology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology.

The course load can be overwhelming for some students, but having a basic understanding of the human body will help create a foundation for clinical decision-making.

A nursing program could include one year of prerequisites and two or four years of nursing school. Depending on your school’s curriculum and your previous education (if any), this period of study could potentially last five years.

After completing the nursing program, students will be eligible to take a state licensure exam and can then start their career as an entry-level registered nurse (RN).

A crucial part of being in the healthcare profession is having strong communication skills.

This is where critical thinking comes into play.

RNs must constantly make decisions regarding patients based on their observations and judgments. This puts RNs in positions where they have to carefully consider the consequences of their actions and act quickly if something has gone wrong with the patient’s treatment plan.

Through experience, you’ll learn how to interpret symptoms, problems, and overall needs of patients while emphasizing safety practices.

What Do You Need to Consider When Choosing Your Career?

The first thing you need to have in place is solid mental preparation, which includes effective goal-setting, planning, and time management skills.

Another key component is being certain of what you want out of your life and your future career choices based on the information you’ve gathered during your research on nursing careers.

What Nursing Path to Choose

Choosing your nursing path is important to hone in on the career direction you should take.

What type of work environment best suits you?  Areas to consider include oncology, critical care, emergency room, labor and delivery, primary care, and many more.

Is there a specialty that you’re interested in? Here are a few to consider:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A nurse practitioner is someone who has completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and then went on to obtain a master’s degree in nursing and also completed an accredited nurse practitioner program.

Then, as a registered nurse, you’ll have to complete the required hours of nursing experience before taking the exam that’s required by your state to become a certified nurse practitioner.

A nurse practitioner provides health care for patients with common illnesses, injuries, and other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

They are also able to prescribe medications based on medical needs, which include some controlled substances.

It takes time to build up your reputation and client base, but with time, you can become an invaluable resource for your organization.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A registered nurse is someone who has graduated from an accredited nursing program and then put in the required practice hours. RNs provide health care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses and also perform diagnostic tests to determine a patient’s condition.

Nurses provide emotional support to patients as well as their families, helping them make decisions regarding their healthcare. They also administer medications, start IV fluids, and take vital signs.

An important aspect of being an RN is taking care of patients that are admitted to the hospital.

They include assisting doctors with different procedures, administering medication to inpatients, and supervising nursing students and new nurses on their first job assignment.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse is a person who graduated from an accredited nursing program or has a diploma in practical nursing and then completed an approved clinical program before passing the state exam.

Their primary responsibility is to administer patient exams, provide first aid, change bandages and dressings, prepare patients for surgery, and much more.

An LPN works with RNs to provide care for patients and support them on their journey to recovery.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

A person who has taken on the nurse-midwife (CNM) certification is someone who has earned a nursing degree and then completed a CNM program.

There are two main areas of specialization for CNMs – obstetrics and gynecology, which focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological care, and family practice, which deals with routine patient care.

The skills needed to be an effective midwife include having excellent people skills, being compassionate, having strong communication skills, and being able to work in a team environment with other health professionals.

Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy and childbirth safely at home or in hospitals and birthing centers.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A person who has earned a certificate in CRNA certification is someone who has completed an accredited anesthesia program and then passed the state exam.

They’ve also completed an additional training program in advanced cardiac life support, which will help them perform emergency surgeries and provide advanced cardiac life support to patients to help keep their hearts beating.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia care for patients undergoing surgery and intravenous (IV) sedation for patients who are unable to safely give consent or are unable to speak because of medical conditions.

As anesthesiologists, they’ll be responsible for monitoring a patient’s status, including observing vital signs.

Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Specialist

A person who has earned a certificate in psychiatric nurse certification is someone who has completed a master’s degree in nursing before completing the required certifications.

They’ll be responsible for helping patients with mental health challenges and also providing treatment for them.

The initial contact that a certified psychiatric mental health nurse specialist will have with a patient will provide them with an opportunity to evaluate their psychological, emotional, and physical needs as well as their responses to treatments.

After collecting enough information, they’ll develop an individualized plan for positive outcomes for patients by collaborating closely with other team members such as social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical staff.

How Will Nurse Roles Change in the Future?

Professional nursing today has evolved significantly in the last decade.

Today, it’s more important than ever to keep up with what’s happening and have a good understanding of the latest trends, especially in troubled economic times.

In order to preserve professionalism and confident interactions between patients, families, and staff, professionals must be able to adapt to change to meet the needs and interests of their clients.

Technology is going to be a big part of nursing in the future.

The department of health and human services has recently introduced a group called the Digital Health Inclusion Working Group that aims to find more effective ways to provide care through technology when and where it’s needed most.

The group wants to work on solutions that are cost-effective, can be implemented quickly, reduce risks, and help communities meet the needs of their citizens.

This type of collaboration is sorely needed in today’s technological-driven society, and it’s going to be vital for those pursuing professional nursing careers.

In order to stay on the cutting edge of this exciting field, make sure you keep up with the latest news and trends regarding the nursing industry.

Another aspect to consider is the focus on geriatric care.

The balance of our society is shifting as people are living longer, and there are more seniors in the country than ever before. With this new demographic will come an increased interest in the professional nursing careers of geriatric nurses.

Geriatric nurses are also needed to help patients recover from illnesses or accidents and prepare them for retirement needs such as Medicare and long-term care.

If you think you’re interested in a job that’s all about taking care of seniors, you could consider becoming a geriatric nurse.

Conclusion

Nursing has been a core career in the medical field for hundreds of years.

Though every job will require new skillsets and abilities, many nurses have a natural talent to help people and care for their chosen field.

In order to further progress in the profession, nurses must be willing to update their education and maintain their knowledge through professional certifications, continuing education courses, and working under the supervision of other professionals.

Nurses who choose this path will find that they’re happier in their positions because they’ve found careers that fit them perfectly and are passionate about helping others.

The career of a nurse is changing rapidly, and they must be willing to adapt to it.

As you look ahead to your future as a nurse, consider becoming certified in your chosen specialty areas and working in a facility where you can use your skills and knowledge to help others.

Nursing may have been all you ever wanted to do as a child, or you may have come to it in later life. Either way, you can remember how enthusiastic you were on your first day at nursing school, how it felt to put the uniform on for the first time, and how nervous you felt the first time you had to deal with an actual patient.

If you have been working in the industry for a few years now, those happy memories may seem extremely far away. You had plans and goals when you first chose your career but once you have achieved them, what is there left to do? You have got to the point where you are feeling stuck in a rut. Although you still enjoy nursing overall you may find yourself feeling bored or restless and it can be difficult to find a way forward. If this sounds like you, here is a guide on how to break out of the rut in your nursing career and find a new sense of excitement and enjoyment.

Plan Ahead

You were probably the happiest in your career when you had been working in the job for a couple of years. You had been there long enough to be confident and not long enough to be bored. There was plenty you wanted to achieve, and you were going to great lengths to achieve your goals. However, once you have done this and enjoyed the fruits of your labor the work can get a little tedious and you may feel that you have lost direction.

You can change this by creating new plans. Think about what you would like to be doing a year, or five years from now. You may want to consider specializing or moving into management. Write yourself a plan of where you want your career to go and then work out the steps you will need to get there. You might not be able to do everything immediately but if you are working on your new goals, you will create a new sense of purpose and feel more motivated. This will help you to get out of your rut.

Learn All You Can

There may be some parts of your job that you are better at than others and this can lead you towards always doing the same jobs and leaving the things you aren’t as confident as to your colleagues who are. This means that although you feel comfortable with what you are doing, you never challenge yourself, and this can lead to boredom. Learn everything you can about your job, even the bits you are unsure of. Practice makes perfect and if you want to aim for a promotion, knowing your job inside out will certainly help you to get there.

Study

Studying can give you a new lease of life and make your job more interesting. It can also help you to achieve your goals. To advance in your career you may decide to study for one of the NP certificate programs available through Wilkes University. You can study online in your own time to gain many advanced nursing or specialist qualifications, and this will give your career a new angle and help you get out of your rut happy in the knowledge that you are working towards the future.

Volunteer for Work You Find Interesting

Make your voice heard at work by volunteering for things you are interested in. This could include a secondment or a side project that could even be linked to your studies. If you find this interesting, you will look forward to working on it and you could learn a lot of new skills. However, if you don’t speak up for yourself and let your colleagues know that you are willing to take on additional work, they won’t know to ask you.

Become a Mentor

You may still remember what it felt like to become a nurse. For the first few months, you were probably terrified of making mistakes and scared of asking questions for fear of looking silly. Imagine how good it would have been to have a senior nurse take you under their wing and mentor you. Even if you do not have a structured mentoring scheme in place at work, it doesn’t stop you from taking the newbies under your wing and helping them learn all they can about your job.

Mentoring will give your working life a new dimension as you will start seeing it through someone else’s eyes. This will make the job more interesting for you and it will be a fantastic way of gaining recognition from your seniors if you are looking for a promotion yourself.

Ask for Help

There is no shame in asking for help, no matter how long you have been in your position. Talk to a trusted colleague about how you are feeling, and they may be able to help. This can help you gain a new perspective on the rut you are in, and it could lead to you figuring a way out.

Often when someone is feeling unhappy at work it relates to something that affects everyone. However, until the first person is brave enough to speak up, everyone suffers in silence for fear that they will not be taken seriously. It may be that once you speak to a colleague about your issues, they will admit to feeling the same. This could lead to other people being brave enough to admit that they are having the same issues, and these can then be sorted out. Management does not like an unhappy workforce and if you speak out, they may want to make the necessary changes and make the job better for everyone.

Build Your Reputation

The good thing about being stuck in a rut is that it gives you time to make plans and build up your reputation. If you are always moving forwards, it can be more difficult to get noticed as you are constantly changing direction or department. You may get ahead quicker, but you will have to hustle for it.

If you have been in the same position for a while, you have had time to build up your reputation and you can continue to work on this as you go along. Become an expert in the work you are doing, and you will be noticed. Colleagues will come to you for advice and your good reputation could be a deciding factor with management when they are looking to make promotions.

Network

That time you think you are spending resting on your laurels can be put to effective use if it helps you to increase your career network. You can spend time getting to know people in other departments and districts. Don’t be afraid to let your new contacts know if you are interested in working with them more directly. This will make them likely to come to you first if an opportunity arises.

You can network outside of your place of work by volunteering to go to meetings or conferences about interesting or relevant industry events. This will help you to build up your network outside of your immediate environment which in turn increases opportunities for you. It will also keep you up to date with advances in nursing which means there is a further reason for colleagues to ask for your help and opinion in related matters.

Take a Break

Many nurses feel like they are stuck in a rut when they need to take a break. After the intensity of the Coronavirus epidemic, it is no surprise that nurses feel burnt out and this can often be mistaken for being stuck in a rut. If you love your job but feel trapped it might be time to physically get away from it all.

Now that travel is opening up again, take the opportunity to go on vacation and do what you want to do for a change. Take the time to relax and enjoy yourself and you could find that you are excited to be going back to work at the end of your vacation full of motivation and excitement about the next stage in your career. You could even write your five-year plan while you are lying on the beach.

Make Changes in Your Personal Life

If life is not going well for you outside work, then this can spill over into your working life too. It may be that the problem isn’t your job but things outside work that you are unhappy about, and it might be time to make some changes in your personal life rather than your career.

There could be a lot of things going on in your personal life. Your relationship might have gone stale, the kids are playing you up, or you are trying to move house. Consider what changes you could make outside work to make you happier and put them into practice. Once you are in a good place in your personal life you might find that your working life falls into place naturally.

Practice Self-Care

Concentrating on yourself might not come easily for you as a nurse as you are usually so busy being concerned with everyone else, but it is important to practice self-care. This will stop you from feeling burnt out and can improve the way you feel in general. Take a bubble bath, practice meditation, or go for walk-in natural surroundings whenever you can. Do something that is just for you and that can help you relax. It doesn’t need to take very long but you will be surprised how much difference just ten minutes of self-care per day can make to your emotional well-being.

Change Your Mindset

The power of positive thinking can make a world of difference to your love of life, and this is especially true of your career. You may have been doing the same thing for the past few years but getting complacent or bored with it means that you will find it even more boring. This goes round in a circle until you are feeling totally fed up and stuck in a rut. Think about the wonderful things that drove you to choose this career in the first place. They are still there but you may never consider them. Rather than thinking about how many times you have done the same tasks, think about the people you are helping, the lives you are improving and saving, and how much of a difference your actions will make to your patients and their families. Changing to a positive mindset isn’t always easy but it makes an enormous difference to your love of work.

Consider a Career Change

If you have tried all these things and are still feeling stuck in a rut, it might be time to consider whether nursing is the right career for you right now. The fantastic thing about nursing is that you can take a career break and return to it later. There will always be a need for good nurses and your qualifications and experience mean that you can walk back into nursing when the time is right.

No job is worth doing if you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning and face another day at work. It might be that you need to take a couple of years out and do something else entirely to reawaken your love of nursing and make it feel like a privilege rather than a chore.

This guide can offer you many suggestions on how to get out of a rut in your nursing career, but it can’t decide which one is best for you. Everyone feels stuck in a rut at some point in their career and often for different reasons. Consider why you feel this way and you can help yourself to get out of your rut and back to enjoying your career and feeling energized by it.