Firstly, your body language can say a lot, without you saying a word. To improve your body language, try looking at yourself in front of a mirror and make sure that you are standing straight. When communicating with someone, maintain eye contact which shows interest and confidence in yourself.

Practice active listening. Active listening is the type of listening where you convey your understanding by repeating back the main points to the other person.

In nursing you will have a variety of conversations that can lead to different emotions such as anger or upset. Be aware of how your emotions may be affecting the way you communicate and train yourself to remain professional and courteous during difficult conversations.

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To answer these questions, consider using the STAR method.

S – Situation – Describe the situation. Think of one specific situation and be as specific as possible about the details.

T – Task – What goal were you working towards? What were you aiming to accomplish? For example, to calm the patient down.

A – Action – Describe the action that you took. Be as specific as possible and focus on what you did by using “I” statements. For example, “I communicated with and listened to the patient.”

R – Result – Explain the outcome and anything that you learned from the situation. Would there be anything that you would do differently next time?

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Lifelong learning opens more career opportunities for nurses. For example, you may consider studying for a skills certificate, for example, in nurse leadership or for a Master’s Degree in Nursing. These qualifications will improve your chances of promotion & career advancement and increase your earning potential.

There are many online learning options available, giving you the flexibility to study in your own time. Online learning also allows you to study, despite social distancing measures and closures of learning institutions due to COVID-19.

In addition, best practices in healthcare are always developing. There is always more to learn, so nurses need to develop their knowledge & skills to ensure that they are delivering the best possible care to their patients.

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A hospice nurse visits patients to assess their medical and emotional needs, as well as the support required by their family. One of the main goals of hospice nursing is ensuring the patient is comfortable by providing the appropriate medications, therapies and support.

Hospice nurses have the opportunity to build close relationships with their patients and families. They also get to work independently with the support of their team. One of the challenges is learning to deal with the loss of patients. One of the rewards is knowing that you provided them with the best care and support possible. There is a great sense of accomplishment in knowing that you made a difference to a patient at the end of their life.

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Networking is key for both developing a support network and finding a job. Keep in touch with your classmates, mentors and professors. They can provide you with advice, support and referrals for a job. LinkedIn is a great professional networking tool and should be utilized.

Your first job will not necessarily be your ideal job but you will learn a great deal. If you are unclear as to which area to specialize in, you could consider float nursing which will give you a chance to try out a variety of different specialties.

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Firstly, education is essential to advancement. The more nursing degrees and certifications you have, the more job opportunities will be open to you. Education also includes the development of skills such as problem-solving and leadership. During the current pandemic, there are many online study options that can be taken at a time that is convenient for you.

Networking is a great way to build relationships & exchange ideas and advice. The current pandemic has changed the face of networking. Nurses should look out for online events and conferences in order to build connections that can lead to opportunities.

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• Breathing is a great way to quickly relieve stress. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Talk a problem through with a positive thinking friend or colleague to help you problem-solve and to look at the situation from a new perspective.
• Exercise by taking a walk, ideally in nature or just by using the stairs during a break.
• Take time to relax, by listening to music, taking a warm bath or spending time with friends and family.

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Nurses should stick to a regular sleeping schedule as much as possible, which helps the body to regulate itself and know what to expect. Ensure that your sleep space is comfortable and conducive to restful sleep by investing in black out curtains or an eye mask. Avoid caffeine towards the end of the shift which can lead to increased alertness and may make it difficult to fall asleep.

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