Nurses feel that mandatory overtime is the utter pits and that an available therapy resource could be a real boon to healthcare workers. Maybe it’s time we start listening to some of the most important people out there taking care of us? I’m interviewing people in healthcare for a few posts to make sure I have a better understanding of some aspects of their daily life. Enjoy!
Healthcare Interviewee Profile
1) What is your official job / position title?
Respiratory Nurse
2) What is your direct supervisor’s official job / position title?
Pulmonologist (MD)
3) How many years have you been practicing as an RN or worked in Healthcare?
12
4) What are your specialties / areas of practice?
Assist with pain management, work with tuberculosis and asthma sufferers, educate patients and families.
5) What is your highest level of formal education?
B.S. Respiratory Therapy, 4 year degree, with knowledge of knowledge of pulmonology. Licensed by passing NCLEX-RN.
Interviewee Responses
01) Describe what an RN does on a daily basis and for what ultimate purpose.
Nurses care for individuals, families, and communities by helping them reach, maintain, and regain health. Nurses should also take part in advocacy and promotion of a safe environment. We can also shape health polices.
02) Think back to a memorable time you interacted with another RN and share the story, please.
We were discussing why we decided to become nurses as opposed to doctors, and aside from certain monetary constrictions, we felt we could do a lot more good by caring for patients one-on-one. Doctors tend to see patients one after the other and it’s very fast-paced. Developing a relationship with patients in a closer way was more fulfilling to us.
03) Describe what you feel is the most fun part of being an RN?
There is still free time to be with family. Doctors work very difficult hours and have a great deal of responsibilities. Nurses do not have that same level of “life or death” responsibility in the back of their minds.
04) Describe what you feel is the most stressful part of being an RN?
You have to work harder if you want to make more money. Also, shifts can be very long. Last, you do not get the same level of respect that the title of a Doctor would.
05) Describe what you feel is the most rewarding part of being an RN?
I don’t have to sacrifice being with family and can still help people. The close relationship you can build helps make it feel more rewarding also. Knowing that people’s lives will be positively affected is what makes the job worthwhile.
06) Teamwork is very important for all hospital staff. What can RNs do to improve teamwork in smaller teams and overall?
Communication is necessary with regard to where patients are in their treatment. If all nurses are kept up to speed on most of the patients that are on the floor, you may be able to speed up procedures and get them attention quicker if more than one individual knows about their case. It would also show that there is a community involved in wanting to care for them and not just a random worker assigned to them.
07) Without integrity, patients and overall hospital quality declines. What can RNs do to maintain or increase integrity?
By making a clear mission statement and carrying it out. All patients should be reminded of what the nurses at the hospital work there for and what they hope to accomplish during the patient’s stay. They should know what is going on each step of the way during their treatment.
08) Staying on top of healthcare industry growth is very important. How can RNs achieve this through continued education and other means?
Pursuing a higher degree if possible or taking classes are always a good idea. There should be required classes that hospitals give to ensure that their nurses are up to speed on procedures and state requirements. Nurses should also share their experiences with one another to share the hands-on experience they might not already have.
09) What do you think it would take to make an RN want to quit, whether or not they actually do?
Difficult patients, lower pay, and lack of resources. Having to do jobs like cleaning a room or collecting supplies are also a waste of a nurse’s capabilities. Mandatory overtime is also a big factor for quitting.
10) What about the healthcare industry, as it relates to nursing, do you think needs the most improvement?
Pay raises need to be more available. Nursing is a difficult and demanding job, and people still view it as a lesser form of a medical degree. There also needs to be more availability to current resources.
11) If you owned a hospital, then what would you do to help RNs be more effective overall?
I would offer competitive wages and fair hours. I would ensure open communication between all workers by having a therapist that worked at the hospital available for workers to meet and let off steam if needed. I would also not enforce mandatory overtime.
~~~~~
I’ve been told one of the most useful tools for building strong teams, improving communication, and strengthening coworker bonds is the Bird Personality Test. I’ve noticed this is especially true for the healthcare industry. It warms my heart to think a tool I offer is helping wonderful healers do their good work. Please consider using the tool with your team, too.