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Like most nurses, you’ve probably set some goals for yourself and have some plans for getting there. However, if you’re serious about your professional growth, then there are 5 things should stop doing at work right now.
Perhaps you want to transition from the bedside to manager, get a salary increase, or spend more time with your family.
Whatever your goal, you won’t get there if you don’t have a plan.
Seriously, it’s time to drop negative behaviors like a bad habit!
On a personal note, I’ve struggled with all five of these at one point or another in my career.
However, once I made the decision to own my career and nursing license, it became a lot easier to create the career and life of my dreams!
Let’s jump to it!
1. Stop Gossiping at Work
First out the gate, stop gossiping! Who doesn’t love a little dirt or tea, right?
Well, it’s all fun and games until someone gets their feelings hurt or the tables turn on you.
If you don’t think this is a problem in the workplace, then guess again.
According to a 2019 study by Office Pulse, the average American spends 40 minutes per week on gossip alone.
Sounds like a huge time suck if you ask me!
Honestly, I get it. I’m not here to judge because I’ve been that nurse at one time or another.
So why does this happen so much?
First, as a nurse (especially in hospice) you might find yourself driving for hours and nothing passes the time like a good phone call with your co-worker.
Secondly, don’t assume it’s just staff nurses that are guilty of this bad behavior.
The same Office Pulse study found that one-third of bosses gossip about the company culture and their co-workers too.
Although it might seem harmless, gossip can quickly turn toxic and leave you feeling emotionally drained.
Consequences of Gossip at Work
- Decreased trust and morale
- Wasted time
- Hurt feelings
- Toxic workplace culture
Try this instead:
Start a gratitude journal. When you focus on gratitude, you tend to concentrate on positive things and thoughts.
Furthermore, past research shows that journaling can help you decrease negative behaviors.
What are you grateful for?
It doesn’t have to be something complex, instead, try thinking of the things that bring you joy!
For example, I’m grateful for my little Yorkie Poo’s wagging tail, having great friends to laugh with, and fresh drinking water.
Now it’s your turn. Close your eyes and think of three things you are grateful for today.
2. Stop Procrastinating
The second thing you should stop doing at work is procrastinating. This feels loaded to me because I’m not good at this one at all!
If you are anything like me, you might find that tackling a task when it’s closer to the deadline gives you a boost of energy. After all, where’s the fun in finishing early and just sitting around, right?
Oftentimes, nurses are juggling many tasks and this can be overwhelming. For instance, it might start with an unexpected call from the family, then an IV pain pump you’ve never used, new orders, and before you know it, you’re behind on charting and it’s time to go home.
How did you get here?
You can start by reflecting on your day and how you spend your time.
Do you spend your precious time gossiping with your co-workers, checking and posting on social media, or helping others when you are behind yourself?
Honestly, the number of nurses creating Tik Toc videos at work is astounding!
In 2020, the average time spent on social media was 2 hours and 24 minutes.
In my past work life, I witnessed hospice nurses running prescriptions around to patients as if they worked for the pharmacy as a courier. Seriously, you don’t have time for that! Unless your agency requires you to pick up medications and deliver them, then you should take this off your task list.
In most instances, the patient has family, friends, or church members that are more than happy to take on this task in order to help out.
3. Stop Beating Yourself Up
To begin, most of us are our own worst critics so this one might take a little more effort.
Additionally, nursing is complex and you’re required to know a lot and to think on the fly. Therefore, it’s easy to be critical of yourself when you don’t know something. Even the best nurses make mistakes so own it and keep it moving!
In my opinion, nursing never gets easier. However, over time, you gain more confidence and what once used to throw me off, now seems like no big deal.
Also, you will start developing a “gut” for situations and become more equipped to handle the tough times ahead.
My motto: There are enough people (trolls) out there ready to come after you so there’s no need to beat yourself up.
Finally, stop stinkin’ thinkin’ and remember how smart you are and be kind to yourself.
Talk to yourself like someone you love.
Brene’ Brown
4.Stop Hitting Pause On Your Goals
If you’re looking to advance your professional career, then you should stop doing this at work immediately.
One of the primary reasons that individuals don’t pursue their dreams or goals is FEAR. I started as an LPN and couldn’t imagine myself with a Master’s Degree even though I really wanted it.
Once I decided that having an advanced degree was worth it, I came up with a plan and stuck to it. It took me several years to get there but I did it.
So, what are your goals? Do you want to become certified or perhaps you want to get your MSN so that you can become an educator?
Whatever your desire is, come up with a plan and start!
Common Roadblock (Excuse)
This one is a real barrier, especially if you are juggling work and family. I’ve been there myself.
Consider this: time is going to pass no matter what you are doing!
You can spend hours binging the newest streaming shows or use those same hours to pick up a certification or even a degree along the way.
How do you choose to spend your time?
I’m not saying to give up all of your precious time, I’m simply implying that you probably have more time than you think you do.
For instance, start small and see how it goes. Take the first step today!
Small Steps to Take Right Now
- Look up the cost of going back to school
- Purchase a certification study guide
- Talk to someone who’s doing your dream job
- Take an online course (there are several free courses out there)
- Start a side hustle
- Update your resume and LinkedIN profile
- Look into your employers tuition reimbursement plan
My point is to take action today because time doesn’t wait on anyone!
5. Stop Saying Yes
Last but not least, stop saying yes to every request you get at work.
First, I want to be very clear that this is really about setting personal and professional boundaries.
Believe it or not, people won’t think less of you if you say no. If this is hard for you, I understand. I used to be a “yes” person too.
Try to think of it this way, when you say yes to someone’s request, you are inevitably saying no to something else.
For example, if you say yes to picking up an admission or an additional patient, then you might not get done charting at a reasonable time. This could mean saying no to making it to your kid’s concert or dinner with a friend.
If you pick up an extra shift, you might get more money but you might also be saying no to your favorite Yoga class.
How long are you willing to sacrifice self-care just because you don’t want to say no.
I’m not trying to suggest this is easy to do; however, you should give yourself permission to say no when it doesn’t make sense for your priorities or schedule.
You also don’t need to give a lengthy explanation about why you are saying no.
Try saying this: “I wish I could however that’s not something I can do.”
It’s ok to be protective about your time.
CONCLUSION
In summary, if you want to be respected and grow professionally you have to be proactive and start today. These 5 things you should stop doing at work can make the difference between having a fulfilling career or one where you are miserable.
- Stop gossiping
- Stop procrastinating
- Stop beating yourself up
- Stop holding yourself back
- Stop saying yes
It’s your life and you only get one of them so do what makes you happy!