As a nurse on a med surg floor, the biggest challenge I have faced so far is staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio. According to Diana J. Mason (2016), nurses are the providers with the greatest presence during healthcare delivery and they provide the most holistic approach to patients. However, on the med surg floor I work on, we sometimes have 7 patients each, which makes it close to impossible for me to feel like I am being the nurse that I know I can be and provide the care that each and every patient deserves.
Being a nightshift nurse, it seems like there is a misconception that we are not busy or that we have a lot of downtime to handle these 7 patients. However, I feel that I do not get to spend quality time and provide the care patients need with such a high patient load. In order to cope with this challenge, I have learned to prioritize each patient’s needs. Before each shift, I make sure to show up at work at least 30 minutes early to look at my assignments and see what exactly I am going to be working with. This helps me mentally prepare and plan ahead for the shift, ensuring that I am able to provide the best possible care for my patients.
I strongly believe that being a nurse also means being a patient advocate. We must listen to each patient’s wants and needs and be there to help guide and support them in the right direction of the care they need. It is important to listen attentively to a patient’s needs and address any questions they may have regarding their health. Over the course of my year-long nursing career, I have found that I am becoming more and more of a patient advocate. I feel more comfortable and confident in the care I provide, as well as in educating patients and helping them form questions they may have for their doctors or other medical staff.
To further enhance my skills and confidence in the nursing profession, I have recently signed on with a travel agency. My plan is to take on a few assignments here and there, hoping to broaden my experience and become more of an advocate for both my community and myself. By working in different settings and with diverse patient populations, I believe I will gain valuable insights and knowledge that will contribute to my growth as a nurse.
In conclusion, as a nurse on a med surg floor, the challenge of staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio has been a major hurdle. However, I have learned to prioritize each patient’s needs and strive to be a strong advocate for them. By taking on travel assignments, I hope to further develop my skills and confidence in the nursing profession, ultimately becoming a more effective advocate for both my community and myself.
