2018 ). Sometimes , it is easier to reframe the mind and ask yourself , “ Do I treat myself the way I would treat a dear friend ?” Activities that make you happy are important , whether that is a short walk outside or reading a favorite book . These small efforts can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall happiness . It is common for healthcare workers to not take care of themselves because the profession attracts selfless and giving people . However , prioritizing yourself is crucial to help yourself . For example , if packing your favorite food is the one thing that might make your day brighter at work , do that . Giving yourself something to look forward to and bring happiness during the day or at the end of the day is essential in everyday life . In the end , this will not only foster a better self but also a better nurse for your patients .
3 . Positive Self Talk
Perfectionists are more likely to develop imposter phenomenon ( Pannhausen et al ., 2020 ). Nurses may be perfectionists due to their tendency to be high achievers ( Melrose , 2011 ). Perfectionists tend to over-generalize one failure to their overall self-concept , focus on the consequences of their mistakes , have extremely high expectations to be the best , and are unhappy with their overall performance at school or work ( Pannhausen et al ., 2020 ; Huecker et al ., 2023 ).
You can retrain your brain for success in overcoming imposter syndrome by focusing on the positive . Instead of saying , “ I ’ ve never done it before ,” reframe by stating , “ It is an opportunity to learn .” It is normal to feel a range of emotions , but how you deal with them is what matters . Tell yourself , “ It is okay for me to be sad .” Reframe thoughts that negatively affect you ; acknowledge them but also focus on progress . Statements such as “ I am a work in progress , and that ’ s OK ” and “ What can I do to help me move forward ?” give yourself grace and empower you to focus on what you can do instead of dwelling in the moment ’ s negativity . With practice , how you talk to yourself will be less self-criticism and more self-acceptance . Over time , everyday stressors will become more manageable , and your overall well-being will improve ( Mayo Clinic , 2023 ).
4 . Find a Great Mentor
Transitioning to nursing practice is challenging . There is a lot of learning to do in a short amount of time , and it is easy to feel overwhelmed . However , finding a great mentor will be highly beneficial in that you feel supported and heard with your struggles of learning ( National Academies of
Sciences , Engineering , and Medicine , 2019 ). Examples of mentors are prior clinical instructors , past nursing school faculty , or a trusted previous clinical preceptor . When looking for a new job as a nurse , it is essential that the unit of the hospital you want to work at will adequately support you to set you up for success . For new graduates , it is important to research nurse residency programs and how long their orientation will be for different units . If you interview for a new position , ask the hiring manager questions about how you will be supported and what resources will be available to you to help your mental health .
5 . Seek Mental Health Support
After the Covid-19 pandemic , nurses were termed as “ heroes .” However , this is a harmful narrative . In fact , the American Nurses Association warns against nurses holding themselves up to a hero standard as it disregards the nurse ’ s mental health ( Bergman & Rushton , 2023 ). Asking for help is vital in ensuring the psychological and physical capacity to care for others . It is actually courageous and integral to take steps to seek mental health support . Therapists and counselors are professionals who can provide tools to use that we may not have thought about before . It is sometimes essential to re-
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