Nurse Practitioners: Doing What You Love, Loving What You Do

Five ways nurse practitioners can improve job satisfaction

It is very common for people to go through periods of dissatisfaction at work. Even people who are in careers for which they are ideally suited can experience these lulls. That’s just as true for medical providers as it is in other professions. Burnout or anxiety can happen for a variety of reasons: Workload is too heavy for too long a time, daily responsibilities become mundane, communication is difficult with a particular co-worker or supervisor … and the list goes on.

Yet for nurse practitioners and others in medical professions, staying focused and engaged is vital to providing quality patient care.

We offer these five ideas for landing a nurse practitioner job that challenges and delights you, as well as ways to focus on the aspects you love when your work load hits those inevitable bumps in the road.

1) Understand your strengths and seek a position (and a medical practice culture) that lets you play to those strengths

The best way to feel fulfilled at work is to find a career that emphasizes your specific talents. If you enjoy working with children and find that volunteering is your passion, then a nursing career in pediatrics with a practice that offers paid volunteer days or is known for giving back to the community could be your calling. Whereas if you enjoy a fast-paced environment that is always different from day to day, then becoming a critical care nurse practitioner may be right for you. Finding a career and a medical facility that both peaks your interests and plays on your strengths can help to ensure a harmonious work life.

Whereas if you enjoy a fast-paced environment that is always different from day to day, then becoming a critical care nurse practitioner may be right for you. Finding a career and a medical facility that both peaks your interests and plays on your strengths can help to ensure a harmonious work life.

2) Be productive every day

No matter what career you choose, it is important to be productive and feel challenged. A 2017 Forbes article revealed that people who are genuinely happy in the work place are 30% more productive. And because of that, productivity these employees are 40% more likely to receive promotions. So next time the work load is small and you have some free time, why not pick up an extra project or take on more patients. Your supervisor will notice, and that bonus or recognition could make the work week more rewarding and enjoyable.

So next time the work load is small and you have some free time, why not pick up an extra project or take on more patients. Your supervisor will notice, and that bonus or recognition could make the work week more rewarding and enjoyable.

3) Never stop learning

Over time, some aspects of your nurse practitioner job might become routine, so make sure there is always something new to challenge you, something you can get excited about. Many medical facilities will reimburse you for continuing education courses or to advance your degree. Learning may also come in the form of a special project you take on as an individual or with a team of

Learning may also come in the form of a special project you take on as an individual or with a team of co-workers. Why not expand your expertise in a way that sparks your passion?

4) Clear out the clutter

Making one’s office space clean and organized is a fast and easy way to relieve stress and feel happier at work. The best way to start cleaning out a work space is to get rid of what you no longer need.

Once the clutter is gone, organize files and important items by color coding, alphabetizing, or another system that is conducive to productivity. This can make finding items easier and help you to feel more relaxed in your work space.

5) Maintain your physical health

Regular exercise and good nutrition are proven to help you perform better in your nursing job and help you to be an overall happier person. According to the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, evidence supports the idea that regular exercise throughout the day leads to better work performance. The study noted that employees who exercised were more productive at work, had smoother work interactions, and went home more satisfied at the end of the day. The type of exercise can be as simple as using the stairs instead of the elevator to taking a brisk walk during your lunch hour or fitting in some gym time before the work day begins.

If you’re a nurse practitioner who could use a boost of productivity or a change of perspective to increase your job satisfaction, test out these five strategies for loving your job. If you’re interested in exploring new nurse practitioner positions, give us a shout at Tinkbird Healthcare Staffing. We help medical providers find rewarding careers with top medical facilities and medical practices.

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